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Cooks' career is about more than statistics
By CAREY FREEMAN When Anthony Cooks thinks back on his two years at Fairmont State College, he'll remember a lot of things. He'll definitely remember the gold ring he received as a member of the 2000 West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions. He'll also remember the all-conference awards he received this year and the nation-leading numbers he put up. But ask Cooks what the most special moment of his college career was and you'll get this date: Oct. 27 -- also known as "Parent Day." "That was the happiest day of my life," said Cooks, whose mother, Brenda Lockley, had not seen him play since the night he and Crystal River lost to Jacksonville Bolles (ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time) in the 1996 state playoffs. "She hadn't seen me play since high school," he said. "And to have her and my cousins come up like that. ... It made it all very much worth it." It was equally satisfying for Lockley, who works in the kitchen at Fat Boys barbecue in Crystal River and has been helping support Cooks throughout his five years in college. "I am so proud of him," Lockley said. "It's been a struggle, me working here and not making that much money. Even with the scholarships, it's not really enough so I still have to send money and stuff like that. It's been kind of rough, especially for a single parent. "But, you know something? He stuck it out and I'm really proud of Anthony for that." It's been a long journey for Cooks, whose career began to blossom as a do-everything player for Crystal River. Cooks returned kicks for the Pirates, played wingback and receiver and was the starting safety. His breakaway speed and knack for big plays was unrivaled. He was a threat to take it the distance on almost every play, be it an interception, fumble recovery, punt, kickoff, run from scrimmage or pass. In other words, he was as dynamic a player as people in Crystal River have ever seen. But, at 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, Cooks didn't draw a lot of attention from big schools. The only school that showed any real interest was Reedley College, a community college in northern California. Cooks starred at Reedley, but he was a continent away from his mother and the only place he had ever known. "The first year? That was bad," Cooks said. "That was the first time I'd ever left the state. But after I got used to it, it was no big deal." His play at Reedley confirmed what many knew: Cooks was a big-time player. And the coaches at Fairmont State wanted him badly. Once he got to West Virginia, the success continued. Cooks was moved to cornerback and immediately tested by the Falcons opponents, who would soon learn not to throw in his direction. "It seemed like every down they threw my way my first year," Cooks said. "This year, they are still throwing my way, but not as much." And for good reason. Cooks leads all NCAA Division II defensive backs with 32 passes defended in 9 games, including 28 pass breakups and 4 interceptions. "Anthony had a phenomenal year for us," Falcons coach Doug Sams said. "We always put him on the other team's best receiver. ... He just played consistently, game in and game out, play in and play out." Earl Bramlett, Cooks' coach at Crystal River, called him "a great player for us on both sides of the ball. He had great quickness and acceleration was his greatest asset." Cooks is still a complete player. He had 50 solo tackles this year and assisted on 14 others. He also has 13 punt returns for 112 yards (8.6 average) and averages 23.9 yards per kickoff return. Though his college eligibility is used up, Cooks is expecting to graduate with a degree in criminology sometime next year. He is also hoping to get at least a look from NFL scouts and plans to attend several combines next spring. "It's great," Bramlett said. "This is a kid that really wanted to go to college and be a football player and get a college education. He set his goals and he accomplished them."
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