Kyle Cook: A Stabilizing Force in the Trenches

Oct. 29, 2006

By Kristin Keirns, MSU Sports Information Intern

On an offensive line that has faced its share of adversity this season, Kyle Cook has remained a constant, stable force. In a sense, he is the glue that holds it together.

Depleted by graduation last year with the loss of three starters, the young Michigan State offensive line was shuffled like a deck of cards in the spring season in order to find a fit. One of the biggest adjustments was moving Cook from left guard, where he had started the past 23 consecutive games, to the center position, a gaping hole the Spartans desperately needed to fill. One of the few seniors on the line, Cook, who is also one of four players serving as a team captain this season, provided strength and leadership.

"The last two seasons I played guard, and then this season I made the switch to center," Cook explained. "Being one of the only seniors on the offensive line, I think it helped because I've been around the system for five years. Since we have two new players starting on the right side of the line, having an older guy in the middle helped out with making the calls on the line."

With Cook's experience, and 6-3, 295-pound frame, comes a mental toughness. He admits he watched and learned from Chris Morris, who was a three-year starter at center. Cook is more than willing to step up this season and be the one who is watched.

"To be able to play next to Chris, a guy who started at that position for three years, really helped out," Cook said. "For the two years I played next to him, a lot of the calls that he made rub off on you over time and become second nature to you. Not only having someone that plays in front of you, but playing next to him makes a big difference.

"I've helped with the way the younger players approach the game, not only physically, but mentally," Cook added. "Just the rigors of everyday life, how to handle certain situations, and things I've learned from leaders like Joe Tate and Paul Harker."

Cook has been a role model of consistency, grading out 90 percent or better in 23 of 26 games entering his final season, and he leads all active Spartans with 29 consecutive starts. His progress and work ethic is not only seen and reflected in his teammates, but also appreciated by the coaching staff.

"I think Kyle's playing with a lot of confidence," offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland said. "I think he had one of his most productive games of his career against Michigan. He had more pancakes and more production points than ever before. He's playing with a swagger to him. I think that confidence and positive attitude, regardless of situation, has trickled over to others.

"I have watched that young man grow and develop since he got to Michigan State," Stoutland attested. "In my eyes, he is an established veteran player and is a great leader to our offensive line. He is playing some of his best football right now."

"The aspects of the game change a lot," Cook commented about his position change. "Now I'm right up front and center with everything and, to tell you the truth, I like it. I like being right up in guys' faces and in charge of the line."

Not only is Cook in charge of the line, he's also in charge of protecting senior quarterback Drew Stanton, a job Cook doesn't take lightly. Stanton and Cook have been more than just teammates, rooming together since their first days in East Lansing.

"We've been roommates for five years now, and we get along really well," Cook said. "Obviously I have to snap the ball to the quarterback every play - our chemistry is a big part of the offense. When I was the backup center, he was the backup quarterback, so we could relate to each other.

"Being able to live with Drew over the years and to have a roommate like that not only strengthens me, but also the team, because you have two guys who feed off each other. His character rubs off on me and my character rubs off on him. We both help each other out with different styles of leadership."

"I've always believed you keep the strength of your team up the middle," Stoutland stated. "I think your center and quarterback have to be very solid players. We have that with Kyle and Drew in there - they are the heart of this team."

This feature was originally printed in Spartan SportsZone for the Ohio State game program.