MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Cam Cook's journey to West Virginia University is a testament to the power of relationships in college football. The standout running back credits his decision to finish his college career in Morgantown to his strong connection with coach Rick Trickett. Their time together at Jacksonville State laid the foundation for this move.
Cook's on-field performance last season was nothing short of spectacular. According to Jed Drenning from the Mountaineer Sports Network, Cook led the nation with 54 runs of 10+ yards, outpacing his closest competitors by a significant margin. With 1,659 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, he was a force to be reckoned with, averaging nearly 150 all-purpose yards per game.
Hailing from Round Rock, Texas, Cook made history at Jacksonville State by becoming the first player in two decades to rush for over 100 yards in seven consecutive games, including a remarkable 218-yard game against Sam Houston.
Historically, West Virginia hasn't been known for recruiting transfer running backs from four-year schools, but Cook's stats eclipse those of past stars like Charles Sims and Rushel Shell III. His arrival is a thrilling prospect for Mountaineer fans, especially given coach Rich Rodriguez's knack for developing elite running backs. The Cook-Rodriguez duo could be a game-changer.
Cook's versatility is a major asset. "It's going to take more than one person to bring me down," he said, highlighting his ability to break tackles, find open space, and catch passes. These skills made West Virginia an appealing choice.
Rodriguez is eager to solidify the depth chart by the end of spring practice, a shift from his previous approach. Cook's familiarity with Trickett's schemes and former Jacksonville State teammates Amare Grayson and Cam Griffin gives him a leg up in the competition.
"(Cook is) the only veteran guy," Rodriguez noted. "He's not a rah-rah guy, but you can tell he's got experience.
We've limited him in the live stuff because we know what he can do. He's got to be the alpha in the room."
New running backs coach Jay Boulware echoed this sentiment. "He's played in a game at this level, which is more than everybody else in the room can say," Boulware said.
Cook's experience and ability to quickly grasp concepts make him invaluable. "He does everything well," Boulware continued.
"His versatility in coach Rod's offense adds a nice dimension."
Cook's journey began at TCU in 2023, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Jacksonville State. His sophomore year saw him rack up 460 yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing his Big 12 experience. Now, Cook feels he's evolved into a more complete player, understanding the game from multiple angles.
Reflecting on his growth, Cook said, "I think I'm bigger, faster, smarter, and I know what's going on now on all sides of the field." His diverse skill set, honed by playing various roles, has shaped him into the player he is today.
With Cook leading the charge, West Virginia's running game is poised for a significant boost in 2026. "I'm glad they went out and got him," Boulware concluded, signaling high expectations for the season ahead.