2014 BYU Football Newcomers: Tyler Cook

Photo: Mike Clary

Leading up to Fall Camp at the end of the month, here at Lawless Republic we will be giving you a daily glimpse at the signees and return missionaries that will be part of the 2014 BYU Football team.

Tyler Cook

Murrieta, CA; Vista Murrieta High School

6-3, 220

Before BYU:  Tyler Cook was a high school standout at Vista Murrieta High School in California. He played outside linebacker and defensive end and really stood out on the field. Throughout his career, he racked up more than 15 offers from schools across the country. Cook turned down the likes of Cal, Arizona and Miami for BYU.

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He and his family are long time BYU fans. Throughout his recruitment there never was any real doubt that he would end up anywhere but Provo, but that didn’t stop schools from calling. Had he not been so set on BYU, I think that he would have probably brought in a few more PAC-12 offers. He was receiving interests from USC, UCLA, Arizona State and a number of different schools. Cook is a real talent.

The first thing that stands out on his highlights is how quickly he gets into the backfield. He reported a 4.51 40-time. You can see that he developed an elite level bull rush move. There are several instances of him knocking tight ends and offensive tackles right on their back allowing him to get into the backfield. His speed was easily his best weapon in high school. He strong, fast and hits really hard.

The one thing I wish that we saw more of in his highlight film was a variety of pass rushing moves. There are a few instances that he uses different moves, but they aren’t polished enough to really be effective at the next level. Fortunately for Cook, most high school kids don’t have those skills developed that early on.

Expectations in 2013: Cook has the potential to make an impact. He needs to put on some weight. I hope to see him suit up at least 230 lbs ideally 235+. If he can gain some weight and get bigger while keeping his speed, he has the potential to be one of the next great linebackers at BYU. I expect him to play some downs this season, though, not as much as he would probably like. Bronson Kaufusi and Alani Fua will obviously take up the lion’s share of the snaps this season. After those two, however, the competition will be fairly open between five or six different guys. Cook is good enough to take up some of those reps and compete for a starting spot when Fua moves on next season.

The potential in BYU career: Very high.

Cook is talented. He is athletic, fast, hits hard and has great instincts on the football field. He reminds me of Spencer Hadley circa 2012. If that’s the player that Cook develops into, then BYU got an absolute steal.

Cook has the potential to do more than just contribute on the football field, too. BYU has offered his former Vista Murrieta teammate Tevita Mounga. He’s a big defensive tackle prospect. Get to recruiting, Tyler!