Brady Cook named Mizzou’s starting quarterback
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz said that his team will be moving forward with St. Louis-native Brady Cook as the starting quarterback for the 2023 season. He added that backup quarterback Sam Horn will still get opportunities for growth.
Drinkwitz said not much will change in the quarterback room, as Cook had already been widely regarded as a big leader on this team.
"All those guys understand how one quarterback's play is a reflection of everybody in that room," Drinkwitz said. "They've got really good camaraderie and leadership and I don't think much will change."
You can watch the full press conference with Drinkwitz in the video player below.
Cook was 17-for-21 in the Tigers' season opener against South Dakota. He threw for more than 170 yards and one passing, as well as one rushing touchdown. Drinkwitz said he felt that Cook deserved the starting role, especially after that 2023 debut.
Horn started the second half for MU in Thursday night's opener against the Coyotes. He went 3-for-5 with one interception and one touchdown pass to Luther Burden. The team will still give him opportunities throughout the season. Drinkwitz said he couldn't define exactly what that will look like in each game, but said it could be going in for a series here and there.
"We're committed to letting him grow and he's got to be prepared when his number's called. When he's in there, we need to let it rip. We need to let it go just like he's the guy and give him the full account of the playbook," Drinkwitz said.
Members of the offense said that Cook looked impressive in his first start of the year. Running back Nathaniel Peat said that the QB's got some 'shake and bake,' after watching his 15-yard touchdown run just before half.
"I like how he took control of the offense. Whenever we're on the field we know that he's able to control what's going on, he knows what's going on and he able to deliver the ball or do whatever is needed for the offense," Peat said.
You can watch the full press conference with Peat in the video player below.
The run game was also big emphasis on MU's week one win. Running back Cody Schrader and Peat continued the trend from one season ago and split reps on the field. Drinkwitz said he can see that the two have embraced that role more.
"I think maybe there was a, last year, a competition factor of, 'man, I want it to be me. No, I want it to be me. I want it to be me. I want it to be me.' I don't sense that this year. I sense it as a thunder and lightning compliment," Drinkwitz said.
The media also got to speak with a number of defensive players. You can watch those interviews in the video players below.
