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NAME: Torrie Cox

HT/WT: 5-10, 181

POSITION: Cornerback

COLLEGE: Pittsburgh

BACK IN THE DAY: A two-year starter for the Panthers, Cox played in 42 games with 24 starts. As a senior, he was first team All Big East after starting 13 games and recording 82 tackles.

TO MAKE THE TEAM: It's an uphill challenge for Cox. The Bucs are intrigued with the battle for the fifth cornerback spot, but with returners Corey Ivy and Tim Wansley and safety-corner Dwight Smith all in the mix, Cox is going to need an outstanding camp. He's a confident player and will need to make plays in the exhibition games.

A LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Cox has a row of four gold-plated upper teeth which he said he has had since his sophomore year in high school. The teeth, which he occassionally takes out for cleaning, have never been scratched or damaged during a football game. "I've been playing football all my life with them and nothing has ever happened," he said.

QUOTE: "I'm usually a trash talker, but you know, coming in, starting off, you're not going to see a lot of that, until I make a couple of plays. Once I make a couple of plays, then I'll get going."

"He's a big guy. He's learning the offense. He's got some nice big biceps in case anybody messes with us." - Bucs coach Jon Gruden on running back Thomas Jones, whose arms rival the gargantuan pipes of running back Michael Pittman. Pittman and Jones were teammates with the Cardinals for two seasons.

"Tomorrow morning you are going to wake up and you're not going to be able to turn your neck to the left or the right. Your body has to get accustomed to what is going on. It's a long way to Philly." - Bucs running back Mike Alstott when asked by a TV reporter if he was looking forward to playing in Philadelphia on Sept. 8.

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