University of North Texas Athletics
2010 Player Preview: DaWaylon Cook
8/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Height: 6-1
Class: Junior
Signed: 2008, from Dallas Samuell High School.
2009 Key Stat: 69, Cook led the team in unassisted tackles last season and was second on the team in total tackles with 85. However that stat is something that must come down this season for the North Texas defense to be successful. The starting safety isn't supposed to be your second leading tackler. Cook however has shown the ability to wrap up and bring down guys once they do get into the secondary
Why he will start: After bouncing around his freshman year, Cook moved back to safety, his natural position in high school and has found a home. As the free safety, Cook developed into not only a good cover safety, but also one that could tackle in the open field. He will be challenge by John Shorter, but the edge goes to Cook.
Why he won't start: Shorter returns after missing the spring and tears it up in the fall camp.
Don't forget: Cook can return kicks. Last season he had two kickoff returns and averaged 23.5 yards a return. Cook also has a nose for the ball as he had the only two fumble returns last season for North Texas.
Overall: Cook is poised for a breakout season. He matured into his role last year as the free safety and is a rangy guy who can cover more ground in the secondary than anyone else. He's got great size and speed as evident by his total tackles and all-conference potential. Entering the fall camp and season the secondary might be missing a vocal leader and Cook could develop into that role. He's a very mature kid and after sliding him around to cornerback his freshman year, he's back where he belongs and should build on a successful sophomore year.
