In college sports, there is always the temptation for star players to leave early for professional pastures. It’s why the NBA implemented the one-and-done rule to deter high school athletes from going pro without an education, and why the NFL mandates three years of college education before players can enlist in the NFL Draft. But every now and then, a star player prefers the traditional route – graduating with his peers on time, after completing his full eligibility.
For quarterback Connor Cook, early reports say he’ll do exactly that.
It’s only Week 10 of the Michigan State field general’s junior year, but he’s already declared his expectations to suit up again next fall for his senior campaign. That decision would distinguish Cook from his peers – while he’s a redshirt junior on the field, Cook is a senior in the classroom and will graduate in the spring.
“I’ve always talked about it with my parents and stuff, and you want to use up your eligibility,” Cook said after Thursday’s practice. “Michigan State’s a great place, and I’ve had a lot of fun here and I had a lot of great relationships. You never want to kiss stuff goodbye.”
Head coach Mark Dantonio has been catapulted into the national coaching elite with the Spartans’ play in recent years, and much of that success starts with Cook lining up under center. During his time as a starter, Cook is 13-0 in Big Ten games including last year’s Big Ten championship, and also led the Spartans to victory in last year’s Rose Bowl. This season, Cook has completed 120 of 198 passes for 1,868 yards, throwing 17 touchdown passes while limiting turnovers with just six interceptions.
While the allure of the big bucks at the next level will surely be there in the offseason, Cook doesn’t seemed fazed by the thought of going pro – even if Mel Kiper Jr. has him rated fifth among QB prospects.
“I looked at it the same way as graduating high school early to come to school. You only have one prom, you only go to high school once, you only go to college once is how I look at it,” Cook said.
*Section Photo credit to Eric Francis, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Richard Mackson, USA Today Sports
