Cook talks commitment

Carrollton (Ga.) center Case Cook knew he was getting close to a decision when he visited Missouri last week, but even he didn't see it happening as suddenly as it did.

Cook, the nation's fourth-ranked center, visited Missouri on July 21 and 22nd with a final three of the Tigers, Mississippi State and North Carolina State. He wanted to make a decision before his senior season began.

By Tuesday night, though, Cook was ready to announce.

"I just wanted to go up there and visit, meet the coaches and get a feel for the atmosphere," Cook said. "The way they do things. I really liked the way the coaches operated, and the campus is really nice, obviously. Anywhere you go these days it's going to be pretty nice.

"But I had to get myself away for a couple days before I made the decision. When I thought about it and prayed about it, and then last night I felt like that was the place I needed to go."

Even on Wednesday, Cook said the good feelings from his visit hadn't faded away.

"It was just amazing," Cook said. "I didn't necessarily foresee myself committing, but I'm certainly glad I did."

Cook, listed at 6-5, 290-pounds, can play all five offensive line positions. He said he played center last year for his high school team after some issues at the position. His recruiting coach, offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, as well as Barry Odom both said he will play center for Missouri.

"It really doesn't matter to me," Cook said. "I'll play where ever they tell me to play. I just enjoy playing on the o-line. Center is good, 'cause you get to touch the ball every play."

Cook's older brother, Cole Cook, is a tight end for N.C. State who Missouri also recruited out of high school. The younger Cook said his brother's experience and advice on the process was invaluable.

"He helped me in the aspect of, like, a lot of coaches will tell you one thing and do another," Case Cook said. "He helped me see who was really interested and just guide me. He didn't really push me one way or another. He just said, 'Go where you think you should go.'

"He said he'd always support me. I'm glad I had him along for this process."