Former Independence QB says he's comfortable in back-up role at Georgia

Former Charlotte Independence High graduate Joe Cox doesn’t have a problem with being second on the depth chart at quarterback behind Matthew Stafford at Georgia.

Away from the football field, Cox enjoys hanging out with Stafford, who shares Cox’s appreciation for old school rhythm and blues (think Marvin Gaye), rap and hip hop. On the football field, Cox accepts that Georgia coach Mark Richt’s staff believes Stafford has earned the job.

"It doesn’t bother me at all that there’s somebody in front of me," Cox said. "You can’t sit back and complain about where you are. You just have to find the good in it and make the best out of the situation."

Cox has solid credentials for the starting job. As a redshirt freshman last season, he was named national player of the week by The Sporting News for leading Georgia to a 14-13, comeback victory against Colorado.

In the G-Day spring game, he completed seven of eight passes for 156 yards and a touchdown.

"My best strength is my accuracy," Cox said. "That’s one thing I’ve always worked hard on."

But Stafford, who’s also a sophomore, is a former Parade All-American who was 6-2 as a starter last season and made the SEC all-freshman team.

Though Cox continues to work hard to push Stafford in practice, he said he isn’t disappointed with the backup role and is thankful he gets along well with Stafford.

"That makes it really easy," Cox said. …

Mohamed Massaquoi, Cox’s teammate at Georgia and Independence, has moved inside to a slot receiver spot when the Bulldogs use a three-wideout formation, Cox said.

Massaquoi made 68 catches for 871 over two seasons when he played primarily the "X" split end position for the Bulldogs. He still is playing some "X," Cox said, but also is working at the "Y" slot position.

"I think he’s really going to help us out and open a lot of things up for us," Cox said. "It’s only going to constrict the defense more to help guys outside make plays."

- Ken Tysiac