Student excels in football, academics

ny true Rebel football fan knows the name Jason Cook. For the past three seasons, the star fullback has started most games. His excellent athletic performances have earned him three letters and a position as one of four team captains.

Off the field, Cook’s academic prowess is no less notable. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 2008, he is now completing an undergraduate degree in African-American studies. A Scholar-Athlete Award winner, Cook is also on the SEC Honor Roll and was named in Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities.

At the AT&T Big Play Luncheon held in Dallas just before the 2009 Cotton Bowl, he was honored as a Cotton Bowl Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. Before the 2009 Grove Bowl spring game, held in April, Cook received the John Howard Vaught Award of Excellence for the 2008 season. The award recognizes a senior athlete who exemplifies the qualities of dedication, scholastic ability, morale and performance.

His commitment has earned the respect of his professors as well.

“Jason is the epitome of what anyone would want in a student athlete,” said Charles Ross, chair and professor of African-American studies.

“He has juggled athletics and academics exceedingly well. More importantly, he is in tune with what’s going on in the larger world outside of the classroom. I think his future opportunities are numerous and that he will one day make the university very proud.”

“Jason is an absolutely amazing student,” said Ethel Young-Minor, associate professor of English. “He is intellectually astute, a very strong writer and a real leader whom the other students look up to and follow. He not only has a charming personality but substance as well.”

While he hopes to play in the NFL, the service-oriented Cook also has helping young people on his mind.

“After that, I want to go to grad chool in hopes of becoming a high-school principal,” said Cook, who has also received many honors for his community service. “More than ever, young people need to see that performing on the playing field doesn’t mean you can’t perform in the classroom, too.”