MSU's Cook takes pride in his role

By By Danny P. Smith / special to The Star
Oct. 3, 2002
STARKVILLE There was no Bulldog more disappointed to see LSU's Domanick Davis run for a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown Saturday than Mississippi State sophomore punter Jared Cook.
Even though Cook is fifth in the Southeastern Conference and ninth nationally in punting average at 44.2 yards per kick, he was not happy about Davis' punt return.
In order to keep that situation from developing again, Cook said the key will be hang-time.
After the first punt was returned by Davis for the score, Cook kicked seven more times and finished with a 41.9-yard average for the game. He has averaged over 40 yards per punt in nine of 15 career games, including all four games this season.
Cook said there is special emphasis on the punting game in practice.
Cook knows field position can be the difference in winning or losing a close game.
When the Bulldogs play at South Carolina Saturday, Cook knows the ability of the punt team to pin the Gamecocks deep can be a key.