Player of the Year: Drew Cook

IOWA CITY — Drew Cook had all the tools to make his mark.

Opponents had fits with the 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame that produced a strong accurate arm and fleet feet to go with intelligence, an all-pro pedigree and talented teammates.

The drive to be the best may have played the biggest role in Cook's growth at Iowa City Regina.

'I've always benefitted from the mind-set that I'm never satisfied,' Cook said. 'I always want to get better. That is what fueled my progression.'

The all-state quarterback capped his prep career by leading the Regals to an unprecedented fifth straight state title, amassing 3,276 total offensive yards and 50 touchdowns. Cook's performance earned him The Gazette-KCRG Player of the Year honor.

Cook was Regina's only two-year starter at quarterback during the championship stretch that included a 56-game winning streak. He finished with a 27-1 mark as a starter.

'Watching how Nate Streb and Mark Ward led the team to state championships, I had big shoes to fill my junior year,' said Cook, also preceded by state-title signal caller Jack Verducci. 'We won it that year and that felt great. To have another year to do it as a senior, that is what was really special.'

Cook didn't become complacent. He spent part of the summer working with former Iowa and NFL quarterback Chuck Long. They met for a few sessions, addressing footwork and intricacies of the position. Cook continues to use those drills and 'tricks' he learned from the Heisman Trophy runner-up.

'It's the little things that make the biggest difference,' Cook said. 'I was really grateful for that opportunity to work with him.'

Regina offensive coordinator Ed Hinkel said Cook's potential was recognized in middle school.

He watched as Cook devoted himself to refining his mechanics and getting stronger, working with Regals assistant coach Alex Kanellis.

'He's definitely put in the work to do it,' Hinkel said. 'It has been fun to watch.'

As a senior, Cook threw for 2,504 yards and 31 touchdowns, rushed for 706 yards and 16 scores and even reeled in three touchdown receptions for a total 66 yards.

One thing he does extremely well is he cherishes the moment that he's in. He maximizes his effort on whatever is in front of him.

- Marv Cook

Drew's father and coach

As a full-time starter, his totals were 5,067 passing yards, 1,146 rushing yards, 114 receiving yards and 78 touchdowns.

'He's extremely coachable,' said Marv Cook, Drew's father and Regina's head coach. 'He pays attention to detail. He really tries to improve and increase what he's trying to accomplish and how he's doing it.'

The Cook family philosophy is to make the most of your ability. Cook said his son makes the most of the task at hand, a trait that extends beyond sports.

'One thing he does extremely well is he cherishes the moment that he's in,' Marv Cook said. 'He maximizes his effort on whatever is in front of him, whether it's school work, practice or a game.'

Over his prep career, the younger Cook became a tremendous dual threat. He had 6,722 total yards and 82 touchdowns, including 5,460 yards through the air and 56 scoring strikes. The most impressive number is just six interceptions in 555 pass attempts.

'He makes it easy calling plays,' Hinkel said. 'If the wrong play is called, a guy like that can make something out of nothing. All the guys we've had had that ability, but Drew is special. He's kind of a different level.'

The path started by pretending to be his dad — a tight end at Iowa and in the NFL — while catching passes during recess in second grade. He recalled hauling in passes from teammate Zach Fackler back then after being inspired by Marv Cook's highlight tapes.

Marv Cook has relished the chance to be coach and father.

'It's been a special time we've been able to have,' he said. 'I made sure I took time to really enjoy the moments and the times we were able to spend together. Honestly, it was two extra hours a day I got to spend with my kid.'

Resembling the days on the playground when he imitated his father, Drew will follow his footsteps to the Hawkeye program. He said he'll miss his Regina teammates, coaches and friends, and the shared morning weight-training workouts and afternoon video sessions.

'I had a great high school experience,' Drew said. 'I'm very much looking forward to new things to come at Iowa.'