Alabama Crimson Tide: Jonathan Cook
Editor's note: TideNation will use this week to look at the four major positions on the football field and how their outlook has changed post-spring practice. Today we examine the secondary:
Who's leading?
Geno Smith came on like a bullet last season, and it appears his momentum won't slow down anytime soon. The former four-star prospect earned playing time late last season as a freshman, and he should be in line for a starting job this fall. He had a strong showing during spring practice, aided by the absence of senior John Fulton who was sidelined with a turf toe injury. Smith will start alongside Deion Belue, who was picked on for much of this past season -- his first at Alabama.
Who's leading?
Geno Smith came on like a bullet last season, and it appears his momentum won't slow down anytime soon. The former four-star prospect earned playing time late last season as a freshman, and he should be in line for a starting job this fall. He had a strong showing during spring practice, aided by the absence of senior John Fulton who was sidelined with a turf toe injury. Smith will start alongside Deion Belue, who was picked on for much of this past season -- his first at Alabama.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- By any statistical measurement, Alabama's signing class this year was a success. The number of ESPN 300 members who faxed in their paperwork was staggering. Thirteen signees were ranked in the top 10 nationally at their positions.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
Instant impact: Alabama's 2013 class
January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
8:48
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama has utilized more and more true freshmen each year, and it should be no different with the 2013 class. The Crimson Tide already have 21 commitments, including 10 ranked in the ESPN 150. It also doesn’t hurt that nine of them have already enrolled and will compete in spring practice.
Instant-impact recruits
RB Derrick Henry: With Eddie Lacy leaving a year early for the NFL, T.J. Yeldon expects to carry the load at running back next year for Alabama. But who will spell him? Both Jalston Fowler and Dee Hart are coming off major knee injuries, and Kenyan Drake will be just a sophomore. After the season Yeldon put together, don’t count out another true freshman making an impact in the backfield next year.
The Tide expect to sign at least three, possibly four ESPN 150 running backs, but the most physical and ready to play is Henry -- who broke the high school career rushing record. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound could see some time at H-back as well, but expect him to start out as a running back.
Instant-impact recruits
RB Derrick Henry: With Eddie Lacy leaving a year early for the NFL, T.J. Yeldon expects to carry the load at running back next year for Alabama. But who will spell him? Both Jalston Fowler and Dee Hart are coming off major knee injuries, and Kenyan Drake will be just a sophomore. After the season Yeldon put together, don’t count out another true freshman making an impact in the backfield next year.
The Tide expect to sign at least three, possibly four ESPN 150 running backs, but the most physical and ready to play is Henry -- who broke the high school career rushing record. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound could see some time at H-back as well, but expect him to start out as a running back.
DB Cook enjoys official visit to Bama 
January, 15, 2013
Jan 15
11:37
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Over the weekend, in-state cornerback Jonathan Cook made his first trip to the University of Alabama since he committed to the Crimson Tide last month. It was Cook’s official visit, and he already can’t wait to get back to Tuscaloosa.
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Bama leads for No. 5 DE after visit
January, 13, 2013
Jan 13
11:51
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama was the first school to start showing interest in ESPN 150 defensive end Tim Williams (Baton Rouge, La./University Lab) back when he was a freshman. Now, three years later, the Crimson Tide hosted Williams on his first official visit over the weekend.
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Introducing the class: Jonathan Cook
January, 11, 2013
Jan 11
4:54
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Editor's note: This is a series introducing Alabama's 2013 recruiting class that will run through signing day.
TUSCALOOSA -- Jonathan Cook committed to Nebraska over the summer, but when Alabama offered a scholarship after the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, it didn't take long for the in-state standout to flip to the Crimson Tide. It was the offer he had wanted from the start. Cook is the second true cornerback to join the class with ESPN 300 athlete Anthony Averett expected to start out there as well. Cook will take his official visit to UA this weekend.
Q: What made you commit to Alabama?
TUSCALOOSA -- Jonathan Cook committed to Nebraska over the summer, but when Alabama offered a scholarship after the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, it didn't take long for the in-state standout to flip to the Crimson Tide. It was the offer he had wanted from the start. Cook is the second true cornerback to join the class with ESPN 300 athlete Anthony Averett expected to start out there as well. Cook will take his official visit to UA this weekend.
Q: What made you commit to Alabama?
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Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday between now and national signing day, TideNation will review each position and look at who figures to start, who could rise up the depth chart and who might be on the way. Today we’ll look at the cornerbacks.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Every practice Nick Saban is there, tossing the football to every one of the cornerbacks as they run down the sideline. Once one turn is finished, he sprints to the other end of the field and does it all over again. The 61-year-old head coach of the Crimson Tide never fails to work with his position.
Jeremy Pruitt gets the safeties, Kirby Smart gets the inside linebackers, Lance Thompson gets the outside linebackers and Chris Rumph gets the defensive linemen. The cornerbacks are all Saban's at the start. So if there's a position that better get things right, it's them. You don't want to upset the man who recruited you to Tuscaloosa in the first place.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Every practice Nick Saban is there, tossing the football to every one of the cornerbacks as they run down the sideline. Once one turn is finished, he sprints to the other end of the field and does it all over again. The 61-year-old head coach of the Crimson Tide never fails to work with his position.
Jeremy Pruitt gets the safeties, Kirby Smart gets the inside linebackers, Lance Thompson gets the outside linebackers and Chris Rumph gets the defensive linemen. The cornerbacks are all Saban's at the start. So if there's a position that better get things right, it's them. You don't want to upset the man who recruited you to Tuscaloosa in the first place.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama added two new pieces to its 2013 class over the weekend -- one received a scholarship offer on Saturday and the other plans to walk on in hopes of earning a scholarship once he gets to Tuscaloosa.
After an impressive week at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, cornerback Jonathan Cook (Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort) was offered a scholarship by UA defensive coordinator Kirby Smart after the game. It was the offer he was waiting on, and it didn’t take him long to accept as he flipped from Nebraska to Alabama.
“It’s something I’ve been wanting to do the whole time,” Cook said. “It’s always been the school that I wanted to play for, and that’s what I’m going to do. I just thank God for it.”
After an impressive week at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, cornerback Jonathan Cook (Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort) was offered a scholarship by UA defensive coordinator Kirby Smart after the game. It was the offer he was waiting on, and it didn’t take him long to accept as he flipped from Nebraska to Alabama.
“It’s something I’ve been wanting to do the whole time,” Cook said. “It’s always been the school that I wanted to play for, and that’s what I’m going to do. I just thank God for it.”
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Bama lands in-state CB Jonathan Cook
December, 15, 2012
12/15/12
6:04
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
It hasn’t exactly been a secret that Nebraska cornerback commitment Jonathan Cook (Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort) wanted a scholarship offer from the University of Alabama. After an impressive performance at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game on Saturday, he received that offer and quickly flipped to the Crimson Tide.
“It’s something I’ve been wanting to do the whole time,” Cook said. “It’s always been the school that I wanted to play for, and that’s what I’m going to do. I just thank God for it.”
Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart was in Montgomery, Ala., for the game, and he let Cook know he had the offer. The three-star defensive back also talked to UA head coach Nick Saban after the game.
“It’s something I’ve been wanting to do the whole time,” Cook said. “It’s always been the school that I wanted to play for, and that’s what I’m going to do. I just thank God for it.”
Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart was in Montgomery, Ala., for the game, and he let Cook know he had the offer. The three-star defensive back also talked to UA head coach Nick Saban after the game.
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Recruiting picks up for CB Jonathan Cook
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
9:17
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Life is good for three-star cornerback Jonathan Cook (Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort). He just won a state championship, and this week, he’s playing defensive back for the Alabama squad in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
In the state title game, Cook caught a 25-yard touchdown pass as Spanish Fort High School cruised to a 42-14 victory.
“It felt real good,” he said. “That was the main thing we worked for.”
In the state title game, Cook caught a 25-yard touchdown pass as Spanish Fort High School cruised to a 42-14 victory.
“It felt real good,” he said. “That was the main thing we worked for.”
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Daily Dozen: Alabama-Mississippi game
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
7:27
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The first day of practice for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game kicked off on Tuesday, and the Alabama squad showed off its strength at the skill positions as well as on the defensive line. The game is on Saturday.
QB Jeremy Johnson
Mongtomery, Ala./Carver
Committed to Auburn
QB Jeremy Johnson
Mongtomery, Ala./Carver
Committed to Auburn
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TideNation recruiting writer Greg Ostendorf brings you another edition of The O-zone, a confidential look inside Alabama recruiting. Get the latest updates from the gridiron and the hardwood as it pertains to the Crimson Tide.
UA visits Foster
Alabama is looking to add another wide receiver in this class, and the top option is still ESPN 150 star Robert Foster (Monaco, Pa./Central Valley). The Tide made it clear that he was a priority when UA assistant coach Mike Groh traveled up to Pennsylvania over the weekend to pay him a visit. According to Central Valley head coach Mark Lyons, Groh spent the day with Foster at school, took in his game that night, and the two grabbed a bite to eat afterwards. At this point, Foster is considering Alabama, Ohio State and Pittsburgh and plans to take official visits to all three schools before he makes a decision. Distance is not thought to be a major factor in Foster’s decision.
UA visits Foster
Alabama is looking to add another wide receiver in this class, and the top option is still ESPN 150 star Robert Foster (Monaco, Pa./Central Valley). The Tide made it clear that he was a priority when UA assistant coach Mike Groh traveled up to Pennsylvania over the weekend to pay him a visit. According to Central Valley head coach Mark Lyons, Groh spent the day with Foster at school, took in his game that night, and the two grabbed a bite to eat afterwards. At this point, Foster is considering Alabama, Ohio State and Pittsburgh and plans to take official visits to all three schools before he makes a decision. Distance is not thought to be a major factor in Foster’s decision.
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TideNation recruiting writer Greg Ostendorf brings you another edition of The O-zone, a confidential look inside Alabama recruiting. Get the latest updates from the gridiron and the hardwood as it pertains to the Crimson Tide.
In this week’s update:
In this week’s update:
- Is Walker still a lock?
- Tide’s top CB targets
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HOOVER, Ala. -- Spanish Fort (Ala.) High School cornerback Jonathan Cook may be one of the more underrated players in the state, but with more than 20 scholarship offers already, the college coaches are taking notice.
Earlier this week, Cook picked up an offer from Nebraska, who also offered his teammate and University of Alabama commitment Deon Johnson.
“I was excited,” Cook said. “Like when I get every offer, I just thank God for it. They’re a good program.”
Earlier this week, Cook picked up an offer from Nebraska, who also offered his teammate and University of Alabama commitment Deon Johnson.
“I was excited,” Cook said. “Like when I get every offer, I just thank God for it. They’re a good program.”
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Spanish Fort, Ala., teammates Jonathan Cook and Deon Johnson both visited Auburn today for the Tiger junior day. Both prospects liked what they saw.
“It was nice and we had a really good time,” Cook said. “I really like the facilities and the coaching staff. But they did not offer.”
According to Cook, he does have one offer from Arkansas State.
“It was nice and we had a really good time,” Cook said. “I really like the facilities and the coaching staff. But they did not offer.”
According to Cook, he does have one offer from Arkansas State.
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ABOUT TIDE NATION
Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.