Exclusive Interview
                                                     Glenn Cook

                                  By: Joshua Fischman

 

December 26, 2008 - An Interview with Glenn Cook

Glenn Cook is a senior linebacker for the Miami Hurricanes. On Saturday the Hurricanes will take on Cal in the Emerald Bowl (8:00 PM ET on ESPN). Can Cook and the Miami defense contain sophomore running back Jahvid Best? Our own Joshua Fischman finds out in a pre-game interview with Mr. Cook.

We hope you enjoy Cook's insight into the upcoming matchup.

Joshua Fischman: How would you characterize the 2008 Miami Hurricanes football team?

Glenn Cook: The team is progressive,especially with us being so young.

JF: What was it like missing the entire 2007 season with a foot injury? What did you learn from your time on the sidelines? How did you feel when you heard that the NCAA was granting you a rare 6th year of eligibility?

GC: It was real hard, but I knew God had a plan. I learned a lot of small technical stuff. Getting a 6th year was a relief and a blessing.

JF: What is Randy Shannon's coaching style like? How does it differ from that of your previous coach, Larry Coker? What is it like having a fellow linebacker as your coach?

GC: He [Randy Shannon] is more into it on the field and requires a lot of discipline. (Linebackers) Coach Barrow is so full of knowledge, it's almost an unfair advantage.

JF: How do you feel playing in a uniform without your name on the back? [Editor's Note: Coach Shannon decided to have the last names removed from Miami's uniforms in 2007].

GC: I actually didn't play that year, but I know it was tough.

JF: Who are the best football players you have played with and against in your football career thus far?

GC: The best players I've played with are: Jon Beason, D (Devin) Hester, (Jonathan) Vilma , DJ Williams, Sean Taylor, and Kellen Winslow. The best players I've played against are: Tim Tebow, Brandon Tate, Percy Harvin, and Calvin Johnson.

JF: What kind of a leader are you for the Miami defense and the team as a whole? Who in your life has inspired you to be a leader?

GC: I try [to] lead by example and inspiration. Probably my mom and lots of people I've encountered in life who encouraged me.

JF: You did it seven times this season...so what does it feel like to tackle a player for a loss? What do you do or say after the play, or is the tackle enough itself?

GC:. It's my job. But [tackles for a loss] get the D going.

JF: What are your impressions of San Francisco from your time there so far? What is the most exciting place you've visited, and why did it excite you so much?

GC: Nice people. [Most exciting place is] probably Alcatraz because it's a historic monument

JF: With the game being played so close to Berkeley, the Golden Bears are essentially playing a home game. What impact do you expect this to have on the game?

GC: Not much. It's just like a normal away game.

JF: What are the keys for a Miami victory in the Emerald Bowl? What do you know about the Golden Bears? How are you preparing for them?

GC: [The] key is to contain Jahvid Best. He's fast and explosive. So it'll be key to run to the ball and tackle.

JF: As a senior, what is your proudest memory in a Hurricanes uniform?

GC: Being able to wear this prestigious name and be a part of this family forever.

JF: What are your strengths as a football player? What do you need to improve on to be a star player in the NFL?

GC: People say I'm smart and instinctive. I need to improve on my strength and speed and continue to improve [on my] technique.

JF: We're asking everybody we're interviewing…who do you believe should have won the Heisman Trophy this season and why?

GC: Sam Bradford. He played through a tough injury and put up impressive numbers.

JF: If you could get any gift for the holidays this year, what would it be? And if you could give any gift this holiday season, what would it be and to whom would you give it?

GC: [I want to receive] just the love of my family and making sure they're all taken care of, safe and happy. If I could [give any present] I'd provide third world countries with meals and clothing.

 

 

 

 

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