Running back Jamaine Cook earns honor from TSN

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Jamaine Cook

Staff report

PHILADELPHIA

Youngstown State junior running back Jamaine Cook has been named one of the top 10 running backs in Division I (Football Championship Subdivision) by the Sports Network.

Cook was named second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference and was selected as the team’s MVP last season. He also rushed for 1,276 yards on 241 carries and scored 11 touchdown. For the season, he averaged 116.0 yards per game and 5.3 per carry.

Cook had six 100-yard rushing games, highlighted by season-high 213-yard effort on 43 carries at Illinois State.

Craig Haley, FCS Executive Director for The Sports Network, wrote of Cook:

“Penguins head coach Eric Wolford calls Cook the hardest worker on the team. He should be even better as the offensive line matures this season. He spins out of tackles and often makes something out of nothing. He’s also an excellent pass catcher, with 25 receptions a year ago. Against Illinois State, Cook had 311 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns.”

In 2009, Cook’s freshman season, he rushed for 110 yards in 10 games as a backup tailback and kick returner.

Cook was named special mention All-Ohio in Division I as a senior at Midpark High School in suburban Cleveland. He rushed for 1,500 yards and scored 23 TDs his final prep season.

The Penguins open the 2011 season against Michigan State on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. That game will be televised by the Big Ten Network.