Michigan State QB Connor Cook expects to return for senior season
Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook said Tuesday at the Spartans' Cotton Bowl press conference that he expects to return for his senior season.
Asked if he had made up his mind about coming back to MSU, Cook referenced a desire to round out his college career. According to MLive.com:
"Yeah, I've sat down, I've talked to my family, the main goal is obviously to come back,'' Cook said at Spartan Stadium.
"I talked amongst them, I've talk amongst my friends, [talked] with the coaches. I have unfinished business I want to do and I want to accomplish next year, and I think the only way I can do that is if I return.''
Cook led the Spartans to a 10-2 season and a No. 8 ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings. Michigan State will face No. 5 Baylor (11-1) in the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, on New Year's Day.
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Cook led the Big Ten with 241.7 passing yards per game and was second with a 152.4 passer rating. His six interceptions were also the second-fewest among conference quarterbacks who played more than seven games.
Listed as the No. 32 NFL prospect in MMQB's latest Big Board -- fourth among quarterbacks -- Cook noted a few areas of his game where he sees the need for improvement.
"I think my running ability, obviously, I can be more of a threat running on third down,'' Cook said. "If I drop back and guys are covered, I can scramble and get some yards. Not trying to be a dual threat quarterback by any means, but I can get 4 or 5 yards and be more of a threat with my feet.
"And then I can use the running back more. You look at guys in the NFL, they make a living of throwing to the backs, that's why their completion percentage is so high.
"I feel like I get too locked in throwing to my wideouts and receivers.''
Michigan State's 2015 schedule features a home matchup vs. the Oregon Ducks, currently No. 2 in the Playoff rankings, before Big Ten play begins.
- Mike Fiammetta
