Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook has read the criticisms of his game, which usually come from the ever-popular unnamed scout.
But he’s unmoved by that criticism, and vows to ignore it all the way through this week’s draft.
“Whoever it is – and they obviously haven’t said who they are, because they’re afraid to or it’s just fake – if they want to keep talking, it’s all good,” Cook said, via Chris Solari of the Lansing State Journal. “I’m just going to continue to be myself and work hard.”
There has been plenty of criticism of Cook leading up to this week’s selection meeting, much of it pertaining to his attitude rather than his skills. He’s Michigan State’s winningest all-time quarterback, but has routinely been described as “selfish,” with the fact he wasn’t voted team captain used as evidence.
“I don’t think people have a problem with me. So it’s just funny,” Cook said. “It’s just comical at this point, the stuff that people are saying. It’s literally the polar opposite, the complete opposite of who I am and what I stand for and the kind of person that I am.”
ESPN analyst Jon Gruden is willing to endorse him, saying he deserved to go in the first round. The law of supply and demand may take care of that regardless, but Gruden was a fan based on Cook’s “body of work.”
“I think coach Gruden, he just speaks his mind. If he’s a firm believer in something, he’s gonna say it and stand behind it,” Cook said. “I’m very thankful for him to think that highly of me.”
So as long as you use your name, and say something nice about him, Cook finds the opinion valid. We’ll find out Thursday night if anyone sides with Gruden, and ignores the chatter that has surrounded Cook all offseason.