Commitment Q&A with Northern Illinois Commit Carter Cox
March 21, 2024
At 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, LHP/OF Carter Cox (Fort Zumwalt South, 2024; Northern Illinois signee) is a top-10 pitcher in Missouri's 2024 class. The Northern Illinois commit most recently ran his fastball up to 91 mph at our A's Scout Day in February while also commanding a curveball, slider, and changeup for strikes.
Cox had been a standout at several of our scout days around the St. Louis metro area where he impressed out staff and garnered himself an invite for Team Missouri to the 2022 PBR Future Games in Georgia. He got his name on scouts' radar at the Future Games and has continued to improve each year since.
Recently, we caught up with Carter and chatted with him about his recruiting process, his favorite baseball memories, and any advice he has for younger players
OUR Q&A
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Cox: My recruiting process was fairly simple. I wanted to go to a place where I felt I fit in and a place I could help a team will ballgames as soon as I got there.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Cox: Not really, With NIU being 5 hours away it’s not exactly close to home but I can always make the drive home.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Cox: My recruiting process didn’t really heat up until this past summer when I got the opportunity to play for the A’s. Coach Copeland at NIU got to see me throw for the first time at Grand Park.
PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Cox: I loved how the coaching staff was serious about turning the program around and how I felt like they wanted me to help them win in the future.
PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Cox: I realized that I could play baseball at the next level from a young age. This has always been my goal and i’ve worked very hard for a long time to accomplish this goal.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Cox: Strive to work harder than the person next to you. Set high expectations for yourself and hold yourself accountable.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Cox: Winning a district championship for my team on the bump as a freshman.
PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
Cox: South’s gonna be really tough to beat this year. We have a lot of returning talent and we’re hungry for a ring.
RELATED CONTENT