Offseason Interview - Darren Cook
2061 will be the fourth consecutive season that redshirt senior Darren Cook (Ogden, UT) will be the feature running back for the Rebels. He has compiled more than 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last three seasons. We talked with Darren about his thoughts on his first three seasons at Ole Miss, what he's been up to recently, and his expectations for the upcoming year.
Reporter: Darren, you've been a rock-solid and dependable running back for three straight seasons now. How have you been so durable and dynamic?
Darren: Well, my teammates open some holes for me and I hit them. If they do their job, it's my responsibility to do mine and move the chains. It's also been nice that I have other backs to spell me during games and in practice so I don't get overworked. I'm real close with Fransicso [Rey], and high morale is a huge part of our running back committee.
Reporter: You were a walk-on all the way from Utah back in 2056, right when Coach Hawkins, a first-time head coach, took over. Why did you choose Ole Miss?
Darren: I knew there was going to be an opportunity to play in the near future. Both of the running backs on the roster were entering their senior year, and there was nobody on the depth chart after them. I took the redshirt season and worked hard, and thankfully Coach Hawkins noticed my hard work and rewarded me for it. The allure of playing in the SEC also was a factor in my decision. There is nothing like the atmosphere on gameday in the SEC.
Reporter: Agreed. What have you been up to since the season ended?
Darren: Well, I finished up my seventh semester of classes. I'm closing in on a degree in marketing from the business school here. I'm taking a couple of winter session classes so I can use the football weight room to get stronger and faster for this upcoming season. Other than that, I've pretty much been chilling with the guys from the team, getting mentally ready for the upcoming season. Usually we go over to Chauncey's [Brooks] house because he lives in town. I always win the Madden competition with the Broncos, they can't handle my game.
Reporter: Sounds like you're ready for the 2061 season to start. What are your expectations for the upcoming season, both as a team and as an individual?
Darren: The goal is to make the playoffs. Coach has said that all along and that's what we're striving for as a team. At the very least I want to get that .500 record. We've missed it by one game each of the last two seasons. Individually, if I could get to 5,000 yards in my college career that would be unbelievable. I think I need about 1400 yards for that milestone.
Reporter: Thanks for your time, Darren, and keep working hard. Hope to see plenty of touchdowns this fall!
Reporter: Darren, you've been a rock-solid and dependable running back for three straight seasons now. How have you been so durable and dynamic?
Darren: Well, my teammates open some holes for me and I hit them. If they do their job, it's my responsibility to do mine and move the chains. It's also been nice that I have other backs to spell me during games and in practice so I don't get overworked. I'm real close with Fransicso [Rey], and high morale is a huge part of our running back committee.
Reporter: You were a walk-on all the way from Utah back in 2056, right when Coach Hawkins, a first-time head coach, took over. Why did you choose Ole Miss?
Darren: I knew there was going to be an opportunity to play in the near future. Both of the running backs on the roster were entering their senior year, and there was nobody on the depth chart after them. I took the redshirt season and worked hard, and thankfully Coach Hawkins noticed my hard work and rewarded me for it. The allure of playing in the SEC also was a factor in my decision. There is nothing like the atmosphere on gameday in the SEC.
Reporter: Agreed. What have you been up to since the season ended?
Darren: Well, I finished up my seventh semester of classes. I'm closing in on a degree in marketing from the business school here. I'm taking a couple of winter session classes so I can use the football weight room to get stronger and faster for this upcoming season. Other than that, I've pretty much been chilling with the guys from the team, getting mentally ready for the upcoming season. Usually we go over to Chauncey's [Brooks] house because he lives in town. I always win the Madden competition with the Broncos, they can't handle my game.
Reporter: Sounds like you're ready for the 2061 season to start. What are your expectations for the upcoming season, both as a team and as an individual?
Darren: The goal is to make the playoffs. Coach has said that all along and that's what we're striving for as a team. At the very least I want to get that .500 record. We've missed it by one game each of the last two seasons. Individually, if I could get to 5,000 yards in my college career that would be unbelievable. I think I need about 1400 yards for that milestone.
Reporter: Thanks for your time, Darren, and keep working hard. Hope to see plenty of touchdowns this fall!