What the Gamecocks saw from Jamel Cook as spring practice starts

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS FOOTBALL

This time last year, Jamel Cook wasn’t even on campus; he was across the country at Southern Cal waiting for his opportunity that never game in Los Angeles.

Cook opted to transfer to South Carolina over the summer and did a variety of things in practice while he was ineligible but entering his first spring with the team he’s now competing for serious playing time.

“He’s got a lot to learn. He hasn’t had the reps of doing that. Last year he was playing scout team as a receiver and doing a bunch of different things to help us,” defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson said. “This was really our first chance to work with him at the safety position. He did some encouraging things.”

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Cook joined the team in August and worked primarily at corner while doing some scout team reps during the season.

Now, entering this season, he’s making a switch to a new position this spring going from cornerback to playing safety.

The coaching staff made the switch after watching Cook work at corner last season and think he could be a good, physical safety this year. At 6-foot-4, he certainly fits the bill of that.

“He’s a longer guy and he’s probably not as fluid with the hips as far as Israel (Mukuamu) was so playing outside at corner can be difficult at times,” Robinson said. “But, he will tackle and he’s a physical guy and he’s an intelligent guy. He’s trying,” “He’s doing that and hopefully it pays off for him.”

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The Gamecocks started spring practice Wednesday and for Robinson it was his first real chance to see Cook and his progress at safety.

Since Cook spent a lot of time last year helping in other ways like scout team, it was hard for the defensive staff to gauge how Cook could help him.

After the Gamecock’s first practice, that is a little bit clearer.

“It’s hard for a kid who knows he’s not playing to prepare the right way. So I really didn’t know what to have up until today,” Robinson said. “He really showed up a little bit today and did some nice things. He changed positions so he’ll play some safety more so than corner. I think that’ll be a good place for him.”

Also see: Early look at the potential defensive depth chart

Cook is officially listed as a junior on the football roster and has made a serious jump in his weight in his first full offseason in Columbia.

He’s gone from 186 pounds to now being listed at 206 pounds this spring with six months still to go before the team’s season opener.

“He’s getting stronger and he’s starting to take the weight room seriously. That’s one of the big emphasis we have with him, and our nutrition staff and Kristin Coggins does a great job with our guys,” Robinson said. “You can see the body’s changing. We’re excited about him and he’s just got to keep developing. He’s got a long way to go and we have a long way to go to get to September. We have time to get there.”