Texas added another piece to an already loaded recruiting class today, when five-star cornerback Anthony Cook announced he was committing to the Longhorns. Head coach Tom Herman and cornerbacks coach Jason Washington did an excellent job recruiting Cook, including a great official visit that the Houston Lamar product took at the end of September to Austin.
Many believed that Cook could be headed out of state early in the recruiting progress, possibly to Ohio State or LSU, but the talented corner ultimately chose to stay home and play football down the road in Austin.
Film Analysis
Standing at 6’0″ and 170 pounds, Cook is widely considered as one of the most college-ready corners in the country. He displays great technique, uses his length well, and re-routes receivers at the line of scrimmage often. The physicality he shows carries over into the run game, where he has continuously showed a willingness to take on and defeat blocks only to finish plays by making the tackle.
In coverage, Cook has great footwork and closing speed. His high football IQ helps him read the quarterback’s eyes and jump routes intelligently. One of the more impressive traits he possesses is the ability to take good angles to the ball once it is in the air.
While Cook may lack the straight line speed and overall athleticism of other players at his position, his technique and coverage skills set him apart from the pack and rarely allow a receiver to beat him deep.
Final Verdict
Cook reminds me a lot of current Texas corner and former Houston Lamar standout, Holton Hill. With Hill declaring for the NFL Draft, it could pave the way for Cook to see significant playing time very early in his career and for Hill to pass the torch on to his protégé. The physical gifts he possesses combined with the high level of competition he faced in high school will make his transition to college smoother.
Landing Cook was the final piece to the puzzle for the top secondary class in the country, and what could go down as the best in recent memory for the Longhorns. Caden Sterns, BJ Foster, Jalen Green, D’Shawn Jamison, DeMarvion Overshown and now Cook will look to cement their legacies at Texas and restore ‘DBU’ to its former glory.
