Connor Cook is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the country and a leader on Michigan State’s football team. Surprisingly though, the redshirt senior was not selected as one of the Spartans’ three captains for the season.
Cook, who is one of 12 members of Michigan State’s leadership council, was bummed out not to be named one of the captains by his teammates.
“Obviously, I was disappointed. But we have the whole leadership council, the 12 guys, and I think the whole senior class takes pride in everyone being leaders. And we’re not all about the title and stuff like that. And I for sure want to be captain, but it’s not gonna limit me from leading. I think for the position that I’m in, being a quarterback here, that’s already assumed,” Cook said via the Lansing State Journal.
“I’ve been a leader here, I’ve been a leader since I’ve been starting here. The coaches believe in me, I think that’s been known. Coach D. believes in me, they all believe in me. My teammates believe in me. And they still look to me as a leader. And I am a leader on this football team. I may not be a captain, but every time I step in the huddle, everybody looks to me to lead. Every time we step on that football field, I touch the ball every single play on offense. And I lead that offense down, I lead it to game-winning drives. I’ve led us in big-time games before. And guys still look to me as a leader, and obviously it stinks not to be captain. But that’s why we have the leadership council, the 12 guys.”
The team’s captains are all redshirt seniors. Center Jack Allen is the only offensive captain, while Shilique Calhoun and Darien Harris from the defense are the other two captains.
As surprising as it is to see a quarterback entering his third season as a starter not be named captain, the good news is Cook is maintaining a positive attitude and will still do his best to lead the team.
Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
