Cornerback Anthony Cook is one of the nation’s top prospects, and as such he has no shortage of recruiting options. Cook, a five-star prospect in the 2018 class, has too many offers to count. He continues to keep an open mind to the schools that are recruiting him, but Cook told Orangebloods.com recently that he has three schools that are sitting atop his list. The Longhorns are one of the schools who have made the cut.
“I’d say Texas is in my top three right now with Ohio State and Clemson,” Cook said.
There was a time about a year ago when most people felt Cook favored the Longhorns, but Texas slid back to the back after a third consecutive year of on-field struggles under Charlie Strong, and the new UT staff is trying to elevate the Longhorns back up Cook’s leaderboard.
“It’s different from when I first got recruited by Texas when coach Strong was there. Nothing against them or anything, but I’ll say it’s just a different atmosphere as far as coach (Tom) Herman,” Cook said. “He brings a different vibe to the table. I’ll say it’s a better vibe, more energetic and a more competitive vibe.”
Defending national champion Clemson has been high on Cook’s list for a while, and Cook said he’s enjoyed what he’s seen during two visits to the Clemson campus.
“Every time I’ve been there, it felt like home, so to say. It’s a family-like environment,” Cook said. “I know Clemson is a big school but it’s not a big town. I like that, not too much to do, you can focus on school and things like that. Plus, they just won a national championship.”
Ohio State is the team most feel is surging of late. The Buckeyes have always been high on Cook’s list and after a spring game visit and Ohio State’s success in this year’s NFL Draft, the Big 10 powerhouse has solidified its spot as one of Cook’s leaders.
“Three DBs in the first round. That’s enough. I mean three DBs in the first round, that speaks for itself,” Cook said”. If you can put my position in the league, that’s so attractive for me.”
A 6-1, 170-pounder out of Houston Lamar, Cook is ranked as the country’s second-best cornerback prospect. Though he’ll be enrolling early at the school of his choice, Cook plans to take his time with the process and will make his commitment announcement at the Army All-American Bowl on January 6.
“I’ll be visiting schools just to get the feel for it, and being patient, not rushing to commit,” Cook said. “Most people who rush to commit, they end up decommitting and that just messes up your mind. When I commit, I’ll be committed 100 percent, no ifs, ands or buts about it.”
For Texas to eventually win out in this one, the coaching staff will obviously have to do a terrific of recruiting Cook, but the Longhorns will have to play well in the fall. Cook doesn’t have a set number of wins he needs to see Texas achieve, but he does want to see Texas make progress from what has been three straight losing seasons.
“I hear all the talking and all the chatter. I feel like the first three games will be crucial, just to see what they do, just to see improvement,’ Cook said. “They don’t even necessarily have to win. I just want to see change, more tackles and less blown coverage, things like that.”
