STILLWATER, OKLA. ? The first time he ever touched the ball in college play, Perrish Cox went 96 yards for a touchdown. It still didn’t earn him a better spot in Oklahoma State’s meal line.

A freshman playing his first college game, Cox returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown to put the Cowboys (1-0) on their way to a 52-10 rout of Missouri State in their opener Saturday.

Nonetheless, Cox still will be among the last in line to eat meals and get on the team bus for this week’s game at Arkansas State (1-0). After all, he is a freshman and subject to some hazing.

“Nobody’s exempt,” receiver D’Juan Woods said.

In addition to his 96-yard kick return, Cox also made his first interception and returned it 21 yards and brought back three punts for 72 yards to give him the most total yards (189) on the team.

“He’s very confident in his ability, and I don’t think that he touches the ball many times and doesn’t think he can go the distance,” coach Mike Gundy said. “That’s just my feeling. He’s never told me that.”

Cox, who is off limits to media as a freshman, had been a highly regarded recruit after playing cornerback and wide receiver at University High School in Waco, Texas. As a senior, Cox had nine interceptions and caught 47 passes for 670 yards and 12 touchdowns.