Miami Central running back James Cook commits to the University of Georgia.
photo by Athens Banner-Herald
The momentum for Georgia on the recruiting trail continues to roll as the Bulldogs picked up a commitment from four-star running back James Cook of Miami Central (Fla.).
The 5-foot-11, 181-pound Cook is a former Florida State commit, but de-committed from the Noles on July 4.
The Bulldogs got into the mix shortly after, and were able to get Cook on campus for a visit for the weekend of September 23 when Georgia hosted Mississippi State. Cook chose Georgia over Louisville, a school he visited officially on September 16.
The Bulldogs are adding a versatile back who can make plays a number of different ways. Cook is a shifty runner with impressive one-cut ability. That helps him get downfield in a hurry. He has a second gear when he gets through the line and can break off a big gain on any particular play. Cook can also make plays out wide and impressed at camps catching the ball out and getting separation from linebackers.
Cook’s style makes him an excellent match to go along with five-star running back Zamir White, who is a stronger, downhill runner who also has elite speed.
Cook can play in the slot if needed, and could give Georgia another weapon and the ability to get both on the field at the same time. His vision and style is comparable to Sony Michel, but he does not have Michel’s strength at this time.
With two running backs committed in 2018, Georgia has the ability to take only one back in 2019, and that’s if he is the right guy. If the Bulldogs are able to land Noah Cain or Quavaris Crouch they might not try to sign one more.
Other running backs on Georgia’s radar are four-star Alabama commit Trey Sanders, four-star John Emery Jr., four-star Derrian Brown, four-star Travis Tisdale and four-star Jonathan Sewell.
With Cook’s commitment, Georgia now has the No. 1- and No. 3-ranked running backs in the country on board. Cook becomes Georgia’s 18th commitment in the 2018 class.