Dallas Selects Eagle J.J. Wilcox in Third Round
4/27/2013 2:42:00 AM | Football
VIDEO: Eagle J.J. Wilcox receiving call from Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones
AUDIO: Phone call between Cowboys & J.J. Wilcox
VIDEO: Cowboys' NFL Draft Press Conference
NEW YORK & CAIRO, Ga. – Eagle All-American J.J. Wilcox became the highest-ever NFL draftee in the history of the Georgia Southern program, selected by Dallas in the third round Friday night. Wilcox was the 80th pick overall, the Cowboys' fourth of the NFL Draft, and first defensive pick. Wilcox was second on the Eagles' team in total tackles (47 U, 41A) and had two interceptions and three pass breakups in 2012 after spending the first three years as a productive member of the Eagle offense.
"Words can't even explain my feelings right now," said J.J. Wilcox from his parents' home in Cairo, Ga. "My mom and dad, we just hugged each other and started crying. There are no guarantees, though. Just because you made it to this point, doesn't mean you made it in. It's just like coming in as a freshman, and I have to be prepared to grind.
"I'm headed somewhere new, but Georgia Southern means a lot to me, it's been my home," Wilcox said. "Everyone has been supportive of me and I want to thank everyone. Since I've made it to this point, we've all made it, my teammates – the brotherhood, our coaches, our students, the Eagle Nation, everyone."
The NFL Network's Mike Mayock chimed in on Wilcox during the broadcast, "I love J.J. Wilcox. The Cowboys needed a safety. He'll compete for the starting job and ultimately he is a starting safety."
Wilcox departs for Dallas first thing Saturday morning to join the team.
Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics and twitter.com/GSAthletics, and its "Eagles GATA" mobile app for Android and iOS.
