Brady Cook has started for the starting QB against Louisiana Tech.

It’s been a season of long debate among Missouri football fans. Who will be the starting quarterback?

After watching potential transfers come to town, many questioned whether or not Elias Drinkwitz was satisfied with the QB in the room. After Gerry Bohanan entertained the idea of ​​playing for the Tigers, Jack Abraham (former Miss State and Southern Miss) landed in Columbia as the only transfer.

And many thought highly-touted true freshman Sam Horne had a shot at the job. Most major recruiting sites listed him as a 5-star recruit, and the Georgia product had all the physical tools to step in and dominate.

However, as fall camp progressed, it became increasingly clear that Brady Cook led the way, with Tyler McConnell leading the way from behind. It was announced today.

Brady Cook will be the starting quarterback when the Tigers take the field against Louisiana Tech on September 1st.

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

What he has done up to this point

Stats: 417 passing yards, 80% comp., 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 82 rushing yards, 1 touchdown

Cook in 2010 He joined the Tigers in 2020 as a 3-star recruit from Chaminade High School in St. Louis. After wearing behind rookie Connor Bazalak that year, Cook saw significant playing time in 2021 due to injuries and inconsistencies at the quarterback position. . In his starts against Georgia and Army (the latter of which he played the entire game), Cook was solid but not spectacular.

However, he has shown that he is smart with the ball, can get things done with his feet and has the strength to play quarterback in this conference. During the offseason, the redshirt sophomore has taken on more of a leadership role with this team. The Brady Cook era begins now at Mizzou.

My quick step

I’m more of a Brady Cook fan than most this season, but I believe it’s for good reason.

For starters, I was impressed with how smart Cook was with the ball last season against some top-tier defenses. Most young quarterbacks struggle with this, but he hasn’t shown any signs of being a transition problem.

His running ability brings a dynamic that Bazalak doesn’t offer for Mrinkwitz, and I think it’s safe to say that Drake needs a dual-threat quarterback who can run the offense. He really opens up the playbook and can help an offensive line that struggles against SEC foes at times. Look back at Appalachian State’s success with someone like Zach Thomas. Thomas He ran for 7 touchdowns in 2019 and was just as aggressive a runner as Cook.

Ultimately, in my eyes, Cook carries himself as a starting quarterback. I’ve thought about it since last season. His demeanor and confidence are beyond his years, and I think, more than anything else, that’s what won him this job. Macon and Horn may have more upside, and Abraham may be more proven, but Cook has an “it” factor that can’t be ignored.

If this team is to take another step forward in 2022, it still needs to make big leaps in passing, accuracy and defensive reads. I’m not 100% sold on Cook being the guy leading Mizzou past the 6-7 ceiling this season. We’ll have to see if he can take the next step from good to great this year, otherwise Macon, Horn and Abraham will be looking forward to it.

On a completely different note… I’m surprised this decision was made so early. Drinkwits tends to be the coach who waits until game week/days to announce any starters, injuries, etc. Cook may be showing what he wants to see in fall camp, or the competition starts to struggle. Or, maybe he just wanted to shut up the noise and let this team move forward with Cook as the starter. Regardless, a drink will definitely keep everyone on their toes.

Notice and response