Video Breakdown: Penn State Lands DeAndre Cook
On Friday, Penn State football landed its second defensive tackle of the 2024 recruiting class. Friendship Collegiate Academy defensive lineman DeAndre Cook committed to the program via social media.
To get you caught up on his journey to the Penn State recruiting class, insider Ryan Snyder gives you the rundown on how the Nittany Lions landed the three-star defensive tackle. Meanwhile, host Thomas Frank Carr previews Cook’s talents and what he brings to the team from a football perspective.
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Cook chooses Penn State over ACC school
Fans always want to know how the story unfolds so Snyder, who follows visits closely, explains how Cook’s recruiting journey changed over time.
“At first, it was going to be the Nittany Lions, Rutgers and Boston College, which were the other two schools he visited. But for the most part, this was a Penn State North Carolina battle,” Snyder says.
Cook chose to stay closer to home and play for the Nittany Lions. But much has been made about the team’s pursuit of high-profile players at the position. Does Cook make that cut for Snyder?
“In my eyes, anyone who takes an official visit is Tier one, right? I mean, I know you can certainly look at guys who get offers later, guys who get offers earlier. Look, if you’re taking an official visit to Penn State I think that’s really what you need to know.”
Penn State stays on brand with Cook
From a profile standpoint, Cook is a high-upside player with 35-inch arms and a big, 6-4 frame. While he plays defensive end in high school, he’s clearly a defensive tackle for Penn State. And in that way, he’s exactly the player James Franklin and his staff typically target.
“He’s got the size. He’s got that blend of athleticism and potential. And I think that when you’re looking at a Penn State defensive tackle prospect, that’s what they go for. They go for those guys that can grow and develop into the position, and then you don’t theoretically have to skimp on anything, right? You don’t have to play a guy that is just a run defender or just a pass rusher,” T-Frank explains.
The duo also discusses areas that Cook can improve and his On3 Industry and internal rankings. Finally, they give fans a preview of what’s coming up next for the team as the calendar flips to July.
