“It was this fulfilling happiness”: Cook reacts to being named Mizzou’s starting quarterback

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Mizzou football team answered one of the biggest questions of the off season on Tuesday night. Sophomore Brady Cook will be the Tigers' starting quarterback for Mizzou's season opener on Sept. 1.

You can watch extended highlights of Mizzou's practice in the video player below.

"I wouldn't say I was necessarily surprised, but just more overwhelmed with just like it was this fulfilling happiness," Cook said. "It's just something I've been waiting for and working for for a long time."

You can watch the full press conference with Cook in the video player below.

The St. Louis native has played in eight games for MU, five of which were in the 2021 season. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz said that Cook has demonstrated strong leadership qualities in the off season.

"It was a battle," Drinkwitz said. "I'll say this, I've got more confidence in our quarterback room than any point that since I've been here."

You can watch the full press conference with Drinkwitz in the video player.

Drinkwitz added that it is important to build this offense around what Cook does best. The sophomore has an arm, but also enjoys running the ball. He rushed for a 30-yard touchdown in Mizzou's bowl game, which was the longest rushing touchdown by a Mizzou quarterback in 2021.

"His biggest strength is between his ears. He has got a great mind. He understands exactly what we are doing and he anticipates what defenses are doing and knows what the scheme answers are," Drinkwitz said. "We've got to do a good job of giving him opportunities to play to his strengths."