OL Brey Cook a standout in Arkansas, may be a Hawg next year

OL Cook a standout in Arkansas

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The most important thing to understand about last year’s Har-Ber Wildcats is that they weren’t about glamour.

They won the championship in Arkansas’ top high school class with a stout defense and an offense led by players like Brey Cook, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive lineman who is probably the state’s top prospect in 2010.

“We kind of went as he went,” coach Chris Wood said. “He was a pretty important piece of the puzzle.”

Even as a 10th grader, Cook was big enough to draw attention — but it takes more than size to succeed at the college level. Cook’s agility is also impressive, and as he enters his senior season, his skills and mobility will be on display for all to see as he tries to lead his team to another state championship.

“He’s just athletic for his size,” Wood said. “He’s got great feet.”

Cook has verbally committed to Arkansas, which plays home games about 20 minutes from his high school. If Razorbacks fans want a glimpse of the future, they might want to set aside a Friday night or two to check out Cook.

The Razorbacks were known for their powerful offensive lines when Houston Nutt roamed the sidelines and Darren McFadden was in the backfield. Bobby Petrino is the Razorbacks’ coach now, and he’s revamped the passing game — but strong offensive line play is no less important.

Blocking Southeastern Conference defensive linemen isn’t easy, but if any high school player in the state is ready, it’s Cook.

And Wood says his attitude will be a boost to any college team.

“He’s a great guy — real humble kid,” Wood said. “He’s the type of guy you want in the program.”