One Big Cat

In his weekly column, Hawgs Illustrated recruiting editor Dudley E. Dawson catches up with Springdale junior offensive lineman Brey Cook (6-7, 290), one for the state's best 2011 prospects and someone getting national attention. This story is free and sponsored by the Arkansas Toyota Dealers. Click on the Arkansas Toyota banner.

Before the University of Arkansas-Georgia game on Saturday night, there was a Beast in the North End Zone.

Not Razorback wideout Greg Childs or Bulldogs star A.J. Green – even though both of those would hang out there during the contest.

Before the game, it was Springdale Har-Ber junior offensive lineman Brey Cook (6-7, 290), who is one of – if not the best - 2010 prospects in the state and also destined to get acclaim as one the nation’s best as well.

It is a meteoric rise for a young man who was not a full-time starter last season, but got offers from Oklahoma and Auburn after performances at their camps, added one from Tulsa and is expected to have one from Arkansas sooner than later.

“It was awesome for me and a great summer, “ Cook said. “I didn’t expect anything like that to happen. I just thought I would go to these camps and have some fun and learn. But I was honored to get the scholarships and it was just a great time.”

Cook was slightly injured and unable to work out at the Arkansas one-day camp in July, but got a tour back in August of the Razorback facilities and what they have to offer.

“I think Arkansas had a really good coaching staff and I like (Razorback offensive line) Coach (Mike) Summers a lot,” Cook said. “I really like what they have going up here and think they are going to have a great program.”

Har-Ber head coach Chris Wood knows he has a bonafide Division I talent who benefits from working with Wildcats assistant and former college offensive lineman Don Struebing.

“Brey has worked so hard and really turned himself into an outstanding lineman,” Wood said. “He is big, strong and has a mean streak in him on the field although he is just as good a kid as you can get off the field.

“It’s great for him to have a chance to work with Coach Struebing, who has played the game in college and knows what it takes to succeed now and down the line,” Wood added. “He has a chance to be a great one and those coaches got a chance to see that this summer.”

Har-Ber is 3-0 so far this season with a Friday night match-up with cross-town rival Springdale High up next.

“Playing Springdale is always a great week,” Cook said. “It is the first conference game and something to look forward to. I know they are going to step it up this week and we have to also. I think we will and it will be a good game.”

The Wildcats have mauled foes with their rushing attack so far.

“We have done good the first three weeks,” Cook said. “Last night was kind of muddy and we had a tough time running the ball, but we still got after it. I think we will again this week.”

Cook is hungry for a little bit more domination in that phase of the game.

“I think I have done alright, but I obviously can improve,” Cook said. “I want to get better on my run blocking so I can get a few more pancakes.”





Brey Cook