Cousins, at 6'1" and 197 lbs,[1] attended North Valleys High School in Reno, Nevada ('03) where he was a standout in both baseball and basketball.

Cousins' play helped the Dons win their first WCC title and make an inaugural trip to the NCAA Regionals.

He earned "MiLB.com Class A Best Single-Game Performer honors when he slugged three home runs and drove in a career-high nine RBIs on Aug. 22 against Hickory ... stroked a game-tying two-run homer, launched a grand slam, the first of his career, an inning later, and finished his day with a three-run drive in the eighth.

"[4] In 2008, as a member of the Mesa Solar Sox, Cousins led the Arizona Fall League in RBI with 33 and hit .297 with 6 home runs.

[2] In 2009 for the Jacksonville Suns, Cousins batted .263 with 74 RBI, 12 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and led all Double-A with 11 triples (also setting a Marlins' minor league record).

[citation needed] On May 25, 2011, during a game against the San Francisco Giants, Cousins collided with catcher Buster Posey at home plate after tagging up from third base on a sacrifice fly from Emilio Bonifacio.

Posey sustained a broken fibula and three torn ligaments in his left ankle, causing him to miss the rest of the season.

[citation needed] On October 17, 2012, Cousins was claimed on waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays after being designated for assignment by the Marlins.

With two teams that minor league season, Cousins hit .242, with 3 doubles, 5 triples, 1 home run, and 19 RBI to go along with 6 stolen bases.