Illinois DT Lands Offer #1

Kris Cooke of Flossmoor (Ill.) Homewood-Flossmoor was impressive at the Scout.com All-American Combine in Champaign and now the 6-foot-1, 300-pounder, has just landed his first scholarship offer. Cooke talks about that offer, his current favorites and what he brings to the table as a defensive tackle.

“I have an offer from Northern Illinois,” Kris Cooke said. “They offered me during the May Evaluation Period.

“I got calls from Northern Illinois, Wyoming, Ohio State, Illinois, Northwestern, Ball State, Western Michigan and a few others.

“My favorites are Northern Illinois, Purdue, Illinois, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Michigan.”

Cooke had a very impressive junior season. In a game against highly ranked Lockport and Army All-American Jake Christensen, Cooke was in the backfield all night long and Christensen was never able to get into a rythym.

Cooke is a disruptive force who can move for a big man. He’s equally strong against the pass and the run. He has huge hands that he uses to his advantage in the trenches as well.

“I clog up the middle when I get on the field,” Cooke said. “I want to be as disruptive as I can and take away any kind of inside running game. I’m quick off the ball for a big guy and I’m mobile. I just like to bring it hard on every play.”

Cooke will be a three-year varsity starter in ’05. He played guard as a sophomore and was moved to defensive tackle this past season.

Check out junior video of Kris Cooke by CLICKING HERE