He attended the St. Jerome Academy in Hyattsville, Maryland for his early education.

Cross attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland.

[4][5] During his career he started 21 of 29 games and recorded 134 tackles, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, and four sacks.

Cross was voted Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in each of his three seasons at Maryland.

[7] Cross participated in the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine where he had the fastest 40 yard dash, among safeties, with a time of 4.34 seconds.