Cooks recruitment takes off
Recruiting has picked up so fast for Tyler Cook and surprise offers are coming in so frequently that it's even tough for him to get a real gauge on where things are headed.
The Murrieta (Calif.) Vista Murrieta linebacker who looked good at the recent Rivals Camp in Los Angeles recently took unofficial visits to Arizona and Arizona State and the Wildcats definitely stood out more.
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"We went to the University of Arizona and it was a really nice campus and a really good coaching staff," Cook said. "I really like the atmosphere and everything about it. Everything was just really good about U of A.
"U of A is definitely staying in the mix. They're going to be in my top three when I make my decision. Everything kind of clicked. The coaching staff, the players, the atmosphere, everything went into place really well."
BYU is another school that has been talked highly of by Cook, who plans to make his commitment on Aug. 8, his parents' wedding anniversary.
Of course, Miami and Vanderbilt have offered since he stated BYU was so high but the Cougars have been involved in his recruitment for a long time and he likes a lot about the program.
"Every little check mark that I had about a college has been checked off by BYU so they're definitely on there," Cook said. "Everything with them has been perfect."
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound outside linebacker had originally considered a top three but with so many new offers coming in that has been expanded to a top five that should be worked out in the coming months.
So far, Cook has been offered by Arizona, Boise State, BYU, Colorado, Colorado State, Hawaii, Miami, Nevada, San Jose State, Utah State, Vanderbilt and Washington State.
Many other programs are showing interest so Cook's recruitment could keep evolving as the off-season continues.
Two of his latest offers - Miami and Vanderbilt - are of interest. Close friend Sean Dowling signed with the Commodores last recruiting cycle and Miami has always been a program in Cook's sights.
"The (Vanderbilt) coaching staff, the players, the atmosphere, everything there will play a crucial role in my decision," Cook said.
"I had been talking to Miami a little bit but it did come as a surprise. It's definitely a huge surprise for me. I'm definitely interested in them and it's a place I was really interested in even before I had the offer."