Get ready to hear the name James Cook when the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Michigan Wolverines in the Orange Bowl. Cook, a once-heralded high school recruit, is part of a two-headed rushing attack for the Bulldogs that should be vital for success against the Wolverines. Just who is Cook, and why should you pay attention to him when watching college football on Friday?
Who is James Cook’s brother?
You’re sure to hear about it all over the broadcast, but yes, James Cook is the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook. Apologies for burying the lede when it was relatively obvious. But then again, despite playing the same position, they play it very differently.
Whereas Dalvin is a brilliant straight-line runner with over-the-top moves, James is more of a one-cut, explode-through-his-jukes guy. What separates them the most, however, is James’ receiving prowess. James isn’t just a guy to be checked down to in the passing attack — he’s actually a featured target downfield at times.
Both Cooks get it done with extremely brilliant vision and a compact frame that outmuscles linebackers at times. Unlike Dalvin, however, James hasn’t had to tote the ball 680+ times in his career to make his name known. That bodes well for his NFL prospects as he hasn’t run the tires bald yet.
Either way, his lineage and impressive display of many traits as a runner will make him a sought-after late-round prospect. Oh, and he’ll be difficult to stop in the Orange Bowl before then.
James Cook + Zamir White = Trouble
With a lot of pregame discussion surrounding their quarterback situation, Georgia’s running back duo is one of the best in the country. Combined, Cook and Zamir White have scored 17 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 1,400 yards. White is a bruiser at 6’0″, 215 pounds, but has enough elusiveness to make room in the open field.
Cook is the more well-rounded of the two, bouncing off tacklers all the same as he makes them miss with one cut. He’s also more of a dual-threat.
Cook contributes in the passing game as a vital resource for Stetson Bennett to check down, but he’s also featured as a receiver at times. He’s recorded 3 receiving touchdowns this season, giving him 5 for his career.
In the open field, however, both running backs are incredibly hard to stop. If Michigan wants to stymie Georgia’s offense, they must halt their ground game at the point of attack. If not, expect it to be a long day for Michigan linebackers and defensive backs chasing them down in the secondary.