David
Cox

Illinois-Chicago commit, ranked No. 37 in the state. Got the start for the Roadrunners and battled throughout the game, keeping the Nazareth offense within striking distance. Cox is a physical 6-foot-4, 210-pounds and is a slow and controlled mover downhill. His arm works quick and out of a low ¾ slot. Cox’s fastball sat 85-88 mph (T89) playing with arm-side run. He went to a 76-79 mph changeup and a 73-77 mph breaking ball for secondary offerings. Cox also impressed with the composure he showed when pitching with runners on, working out of trouble a couple times in his outing. Final line: W, 5 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 K.

Illinois-Chicago commit. Nazareth started the season off 4-0 with wins over Timothy Christian (2-0), Reavis (16-7), Naperville Central (5-3), and Kenwood (6-2). Cox played a pivotal role in these wins, going 6-for-12 (.500/.571/.1.16) with two home runs, two doubles, four RBIs, four runs scored and two stolen bases. In their win over Reavis, he went 3-for-4 with a home run, one RBI and two runs scored. He went 2-for-3 with a home run, double, three RBIs and two runs scored in their win over Naperville Central, while also earning the start on the mound. He threw three innings, struck out four, walked two and allowed three hits.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-4, 210-pounds. Thick lower half. Broad shouldered.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, medium stride, hands start by head and work into a short path to the ball. Stays direct, hands play on top of the baseball, flat at times, uses ground through impact, whole field approach, hard elevated contact to pull-side at times, rotational through the zone, third in-event in max batted ball distance (T361'). 69.2 mph bat speed with 9 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 87.7 mph. 362’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 89 mph. Short 3/4 release, plays from multiple slots, life and ease out of the hand.
Defense: Steady hands, clean transfer, fluid footwork that breaks down before the ball, stays low and plays through the ball.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60.

Positional Profile: RHP Delivery: Controlled delivery into a high leg-lift, drops and drives quickly down the mound, hands separate while reaching with front leg into stride, works in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm circle out of the glove, high 3/4 slot, clean arm path.
FB: T88, 87-88 mph. Plays with some life through the zone, heavy arm-side action at times. T2133, 2084 average rpm.
CB: 72-75 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape with downer action, some feel around the zone. T2141, 2082 average rpm.
CH: 77-78 mph. Maintains arm-speed, flashed late drop when kept to his glove-side. T1628, 1587 average rpm.

Currently ranked No. 34 in the state, SS David Cox (Nazareth; Illinois-Chicago) is a presently strong 6-foot-4, 210-pound infielder that will be in attendance on Wednesday. Cox has a hitterish look about him in the right side of the box, where he showcases an aggressive swing that has some advanced strength with exit velocities up to 99 mph. The strong-armed defender (T92 mph) has shown soft and confident hands to pair, which should allow him to stick on the left side of the infield. Don’t be surprised if the 2022 Future Games alum continues to put up loud numbers on Wednesday.

Northwestern commit, currently ranked No. 29 in the Illinois’ 2024 class. 6-foot-4, 200-pound, broad-shouldered, well-proportioned frame. Moves much better all around the field than his frame would indicate. Started at shortstop and hit in the four-hole. Offensively, presence in the box, aggressive swing, present whip through the zone and ball jumps off the bat at times. Finished 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and run scored. Smoked a line-drive to left-field in his final at-bat and also drove a sacrifice fly to right field in his second-to-last at-bat. Also, came out of the bullpen and went three innings, giving up one hit, no earned runs, four strikeouts and two walks. Fastball plays around the bottom of the zone at 85-88 mph, touched 89 and went to a 74-77 mph breaking ball. 

Northwestern commit, currently ranked No. 29 in the Illinois’ 2024 class. 6-foot-4, 200-pound, broad-shouldered, well-proportioned frame. Moves much better all around the field than his frame would indicate. Started at shortstop and hit in the four-hole. Offensively, presence in the box, aggressive swing, present whip through the zone and ball jumps off the bat at times. Finished 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and run scored. Smoked a line-drive to left-field in his final at-bat and also drove a sacrifice fly to right field in his second-to-last at-bat. Also, came out of the bullpen and went three innings, giving up one hit, no earned runs, four strikeouts and two walks. Fastball plays around the bottom of the zone at 85-88 mph, touched 89 and went to a 74-77 mph breaking ball.

C Jimmy Janicki (Downers Grove North) and INF/RHP David Cox (Nazareth) are also two other prospects off of Team Illinois at last summer’s Future Games that deserve a mention from the event.

Cox, a two-way Northwestern commit, had a strong all-around showing with maybe the most impressive metric being his 7.21 60 time, which was down from a 7.74 last summer. That foot speed attached to his physical 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame is impressive. Also, given his smooth round of infield, strong arm (92 mph across) and knack for making plays in-game it gives Cox a real chance at sticking at shortstop at the next level. Offensively, the right-handed hitter flashed advanced bat speed and bat strength at times and when the swing syncs up the ball jumps off the barrel. Cox also got on the mound and sat 87-88 mph while mixing in a sinker that showed some heaviness at the bottom. Cox mixes in a short lateral slider with solid feel for his glove side of the plate.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-4, 200-pounds. Some strength present, evenly distributed weight.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup with more weight on back knee, hangs foot into a medium stride, controls body throughout load.  Hands separated at stride and fire through the zone with an uphill path, uses the whole field.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 90.8 mph. 324’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 92 mph. Easy life and carry from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions, active feet with range and a quick first step, soft and confident hands.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Quick leg lift and kick into landing, slightly across body.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T88, 87-88 mph. Some arm side action. Mixes in a sinker as well that shows bottom. T2277, 2197 average rpm.
SL: 77-78 mph. Short lateral break. T2354, 2261 average rpm.
CH: 80-81 mph. Showed sink action, pulls to glove side at times. T1728, 1672 average rpm.

Cox, a two-way Northwestern commit, had a strong all-around showing with maybe the most impressive metric being his 7.21 60 time, which was down from a 7.74 last summer. That foot speed attached to his physical 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame is impressive. Also, given his smooth round of infield, strong arm (92 mph across) and knack for making plays in-game it gives Cox a real chance at sticking at shortstop at the next level. Offensively, the right-handed hitter flashed advanced bat speed and bat strength at times and when the swing syncs up the ball jumps off the barrel. Cox also got on the mound and sat 87-88 mph while mixing in a sinker that showed some heaviness at the bottom. Cox mixes in a short lateral slider with solid feel for his glove side of the plate.

Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-4, 200-pounds. Some strength present, evenly distributed weight.
Delivery: Quick leg lift and kick into landing, slightly across body.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T88, 87-88 mph. Some arm side action. Mixes in a sinker as well that shows bottom. T2277, 2197 average rpm.
SL: 77-78 mph. Short lateral break. T2354, 2261 average rpm.
CH: 80-81 mph. Showed sink action, pulls to glove side at times. T1728, 1672 average rpm.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-4, 200-pounds. Some strength present, evenly distributed weight.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup with more weight on back knee, hangs foot into a medium stride, controls body throughout load. Hands separated at stride and fire through the zone with an uphill path, uses the whole field.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 90.8 mph. 324’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 92 mph. Easy life and carry from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions, active feet with range and a quick first step, soft and confident hands.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60.

Physically, INF David Cox (Nazareth Academy, 2024) stands out instantly, listed at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. Inside the right-handed batter’s box, Cox swats line-drives to all fields, naturally translating to above-average exit speed marks (91.9 mph high). His swings is simple, which allows him to repeat it well; starting from a balanced setup that leads into a small leg kick stride, and his loose hands and forearms generate some extension through impact, though he finishes his swing while maintaining his balance well. On the infield, Cox profiles as a corner type, and he has the arm strength to hold his own at third base, measured at 81 mph at this event.

Physically, INF David Cox (Nazareth Academy, 2024) stands out instantly, listed at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. Inside the right-handed batter’s box, Cox swats line-drives to all fields, naturally translating to above-average exit speed marks (91.9 mph high). His swings is simple, which allows him to repeat it well; starting from a balanced setup that leads into a small leg kick stride, and his loose hands and forearms generate some extension through impact, though he finishes his swing while maintaining his balance well. On the infield, Cox profiles as a corner type, and he has the arm strength to hold his own at third base, measured at 81 mph at this event.

6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, physical build with a strong lower half. Deceptive delivery, heavy drop and drive, strides across the mound, cross-fire action. Arm works clean on the back-side to a ¾ slot. Fastball sat 84-87, topped 88, 2200-2400 rpm. Curveball, 74-76, sweeping action. Creates swing and misses with both pitches.

Uncommitted. Physical, well-proportioned 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame with room for added strength. Emerged a winter winner after a strong performance at our Preseason All-State showcase in February and rode that momentum into this look. Displayed his inherent bat strength in multiple at-bats, hit fifth in the Roadrunners’ lineup. Jumped all over an elevated breaking ball and backspun it for a hard base hit into left field. Followed that up by barreling up a fastball to the shortstop to bring a run home. Finished the day with two hits and two RBIs. 

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds. Long, lean build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Loose, strong hands. Barrel strength through the zone. Compact swing. Gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 98.8 max exit velocity, averaged 83.5 mph. 345’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 90 mph. Loose, quick arm action. Natural 3/4 slot. Multi-angle release. Advanced arm strength.
Defense: Balanced footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.74 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: RHP
Delivery: Crossfire delivery, works from third base side, closed landing, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact draw out of the glove. Loose, quick arm action. 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T84.2, 81.0-83.8 mph. Plays straight. Life through the zone. T2282, 2167 average rpm.
SL: 67.4-70.7 mph. 10/4 shape, flashed lateral action. T2018, 1888 average rpm.
CH: 72.1-74.3 mph. Sinking action. T1893, 1791 average rpm.

INF/RHP David Cox (Nazareth, 2024) is another impressively-built sophomore who put together a strong showing at The MAX on Saturday. Listed at a broad-chested 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, the right-handed hitter seems built for the middle of an order offensively. It’s a loose, strong swing with all kinds of barrel-whip and strength through contact. The swing stays compact and repeatable, especially for his size, and he was elevating baseballs with authority throughout his round of BP. Cox also showed off a loose arm that topped at 90 mph across the infield and also played well on the mound. Cox works across his body and flashed a projectable fastball that played at 81-84 mph with finish through the zone. He also flashed a lateral slider at 67-71 and sinking changeup at 72-74 mph.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds. Long, lean build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Loose, strong hands. Barrel strength through the zone. Compact swing. Gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 98.8 max exit velocity, averaged 83.5 mph. 345’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 90 mph. Loose, quick arm action. Natural 3/4 slot. Multi-angle release. Advanced arm strength.
Defense: Balanced footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.74 runner in the 60.

Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds. Long, lean build.
Delivery: Crossfire delivery, works from third base side, closed landing, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact draw out of the glove. Loose, quick arm action. 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T84.2, 81.0-83.8 mph. Plays straight. Life through the zone. T2282, 2167 average rpm.
SL: 67.4-70.7 mph. 10/4 shape, flashed lateral action. T2018, 1888 average rpm.
CH: 72.1-74.3 mph. Sinking action. T1893, 1791 average rpm.

INF/RHP David Cox (Nazareth, 2024) is another impressively-built sophomore who put together a strong showing at The MAX on Saturday. Listed at a broad-chested 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, the right-handed hitter seems built for the middle of an order offensively. It’s a loose, strong swing with all kinds of barrel-whip and strength through contact. The swing stays compact and repeatable, especially for his size, and he was elevating baseballs with authority throughout his round of BP. Cox also showed off a loose arm that topped at 90 mph across the infield and also played well on the mound. Cox works across his body and flashed a projectable fastball that played at 81-84 mph with finish through the zone. He also flashed a lateral slider at 67-71 and sinking changeup at 72-74 mph.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds. Wide-shouldered, athletic frame that projects.
Hit: RHH. Wide/athletic setup, hangs foot into a short stride.  Consistent gap-to-gap approach, looks to elevate. Clear power upside, showed easy juice off the barrel.
Power: 91.89 max exit velocity, averaged 77.5 mph. 320’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Loose 3/4 slot, strong arm.
Defense: Soft hands with a clean transfer, moves well side-to-side with athletic infield actions.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. High-waisted, long-limbed, upside frame.
Delivery: Slow side step to low knee lift, big hip turn balance point. Strides down mound with shoulders closed, lands in a closed position, creating some crossfire.
Arm Action: RH. Compact arm action, loose to a high 3/4 slot; crossfire creates some deception.
FB: T79, 75-77 mph. Averaged 18.2 inches of horizontal break with a 22.6 high; hard, late action that sneaks up on hitters.
CH: 72-75 mph. Mostly maintains arm speed; action is similar to fastball with hard, late run/sink. 

Hit: RHH. Tall, relaxed setup, smooth loading action and long stride. Loose athletic hands, whippy barrel through the zone, worked gap-to-gap. 
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 23.61 mph average hand speed, second-best of the event and 75.40 mph max bat speed (third best), via Blast.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Loose, lively arm action plays easy from multiple slots and accurately across the diamond.
Defense: Fluid defender. Easy range and showed above-average body control for age. Soft hands, highly-athletic double play turn.
Run: 7.70 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. High-waisted, long-limbed, upside frame.
Delivery: Slow side step to low knee lift, big hip turn balance point. Strides down mound with shoulders closed, lands in a closed position, creating some crossfire.
Arm Action: RH. Compact arm action, loose to a high 3/4 slot; crossfire creates some deception.
FB: T79, 75-77 mph. Averaged 18.2 inches of horizontal break with a 22.6 high; hard, late action that sneaks up on hitters.
CH: 72-75 mph. Mostly maintains arm speed; action is similar to fastball with hard, late run/sink.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. High-waisted, long-limbed, upside frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, relaxed setup, smooth loading action and long stride. Loose athletic hands, whippy barrel through the zone, worked gap-to-gap.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 23.61 mph average hand speed, second-best of the event and 75.40 mph max bat speed (third best), via Blast.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Loose, lively arm action plays easy from multiple slots and accurately across the diamond.
Defense: Fluid defender. Easy range and showed above-average body control for age. Soft hands, highly-athletic double play turn.
Run: 7.70 runner in the 60.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. Athletic frame, lean build
Defense: Quick feet, soft hands, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short loose arm action, 3/4 slot, throws play accurate and carry.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open tall setup, smooth load, short stride.  Quick uphill swing, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.04 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: RHP

Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, some effort, works in line, falls off.
Arm Action: RH. Long loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T75, 71-75 mph. Plays straight with life.
SL: 60-65 mph. Sharp 10/4 action.
CH: 69-71 mph. Arm side run.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. Athletic frame, lean build
Defense: Quick feet, soft hands, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short loose arm action, 3/4 slot, throws play accurate and carry.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open tall setup, smooth load, short stride. Quick uphill swing, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Run: 8.04 runner in the 60.

Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, some effort, works in line, falls off.
Arm Action: RH. Long loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T75, 71-75 mph. Plays straight with life.
SL: 60-65 mph. Sharp 10/4 action.
CH: 69-71 mph. Arm side run.