Washington continues to take their shot at Texas prospects for 2021, and last weekend one Texan came to town for camp, and did what had to be done to earn that offer.
It was his first offer, in fact, and it won’t be the last for Pearland, Texas inside linebacker, Terrence Cooks II.
“I went to the camp…it was my first time in Seattle and it was pretty amazing”, the 6-3, 208 lb. prospect told Realdawg.com this week, “It’s my first offer and that’s why it’s so special.”
The son of current trainer and former NFL linebacker, Terrence Cooks Sr., Cooks II, hasn’t exactly been a big secret — but he changed schools this past year and so getting out and hitting the camp circuit was important in making sure he got more exposure.
At the Rising Stars camp, Cooks posted a 4.53 and did exceptionally well in the one-on-one’s. While Will Harris had been the guy who originally had his eye on Cooks (because he recruits Texas), Bob Gregory also needed to see Cooks work out in person.
What sticks out with Cooks is his speed and athleticism, and the fact that he such a versatile player. He could play inside backer, outside backer, and even the safety position.
Last season at his former school, Cooks recorded 56 tackles, 16 for loss, five forced fumbles and seven sacks.
His nickname is “Cookie Monster”.
“A lot of people say I play like I’m mad or something”, he laughed, “I’m just a goofy kid and I smile a lot.”
Sometimes those smiles on the football field can be quite menacing, and Cooks is a guy who will probably smile at a running back or quarterback right before he folds them like a Walmart deck chair.
He’s strong in his pursuit, gets good angles, and is able to see the play before it develops. His instincts and ability to shed blocks are excellent on film and, at this point, he is still developing as a linebacker who could go to the next level and beyond.
“I just like to go out there and get at it”, he said of his game.
His father is his trainer, and he also trained former LSU linebacker, Butkus award winner, and first-rounder Devin White. It was actually Cooks’ uncle, however, who accompanied him to Seattle for the camp; dad-approved, of course.
“Seattle is a great city”, Cooks again said, “I loved it and will go back up.”
As we mentioned on Twitter, this is a prospect who is the complete package as an athlete, but also a very thoughtful young man who even spent a minute or two talking about bible scripture and the fact that his parents have been his biggest inspiration, “That’s why I want to strive to just keep working harder”, he said.
