Making the Case: Anthony Cook

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With the first-ever early signing underway and turning the college football recruiting world upside down, several of the nation’s top prospects are making their decisions this week.

Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where Houston (Texas) Lamar five-star defensive back Anthony Cook will end up playing his college football. The candidates are Texas, LSU and Ohio State.

RELATED: Announcement times | Farrell's predictions

The Situation: Cook’s decision has been a longtime coming as he has said several times throughout the process that he was “close” to making his pledge known. Late in the summer it appeared like Ohio State was the team to beat, then the tide shifted in LSU’s favor and now Texas seems to have the momentum in his recruitment. Cook spent the fall visiting all three programs and seemed poised to announce a decision last month. But after delaying his commitment reveal several times, Cook will finally make his choice today. So where will he end up? We asked our team experts to state the case for their respective programs and let National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell issue a verdict.

“Cook to LSU makes sense because of the LSU-DBU history and Tigers defensive backs coach Corey Raymond continually coaching All-Americans and high-round draft picks. That said, what was once a toss-up looks like Texas as LSU’s remaining spots are filling up and with Patrick Surtain Jr., Kelvin Joseph and Mario Goodrich also uncommitted on LSU’s board, Cook ends up at Texas.” – Mike Scarborough, TigerBait.com

“Cook to Texas makes sense for several reasons, but this one in no way a slam dunk. Cook has two Houston Lamar teammates committed to the Longhorns and Texas obviously the in-state choice of his remaining finalists. Also, Texas can offer early playing time, especially since starting cornerback Holton Hill (also from Houston Lamar) is leaving early for the NFL. Cook has a strong relationship with the Texas coaches and likes the progress made under defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, but he's done such a good job of keeping people guessing that it's tough to predict where he'll wind up.” – Jason Suchomel, Orangebloods.com

“Ohio State made a big move for Cook coming out of a spring unofficial visit and seemed to carry that momentum into the summer. However, as that visit became a distant memory and the recruiting process progressed, staying closer to home has seemed to become increasingly important to Cook and his family. It is unlikely that Ohio State will be the pick Wednesday. I would guess Texas at this point but could also see Cook opting for LSU as both programs are within a driveable distance from his home and can offer him some early playing time. Ultimately the distance from Houston is likely going to cost Ohio State on a prospect they once were in very good shape with.” – Marc Givler, BuckeyeGrove.com

“Cook to Texas is simply a guess based on playing time available and his relationship with the Texas coaches but if he chose LSU, I wouldn’t be stunned at all. Sources say he’s as confused as anyone.” – Mike Farrell, National Recruiting Director