Something Cook-ing in Mohegan?

Published on August 6, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2) News Release

If the name Charlie Cook doesn't ring a bell, look out, because he might come and ring yours.

The intimidating 6-foot, 290-pound lineman for the Mohegan Wolves has done a lot of bell-ringing around af2 during the 2003 season and doesn't show signs of letting up as he and the Wolves prepare to face the No. 1 seed Tennessee Valley Vipers in the American Conference Semifinal playoffs this Friday night.

Cook, who was born in Harlem, NY, quietly tallied 11.5 sacks (T-2nd in af2) this regular season and added another two last week in the First Round of the playoffs, sending the Atlantic Division Champion Cape Fear Wildcats home for the rest of the postseason.

With 13.5 sacks in 17 games, Cook knows he is no longer a well-kept secret but that doesn't mean he's looking for recognition either.

"I like to quietly go about my work," Cook said. "I just like to play the game. As long as I can help the team win, that's all the recognition I need."

The 23-year old Cook was true to his words last week in the game against Cape Fear. With the Wolves leading by three late, the Wildcats recovered an onside kick and were looking to put together a potential game-winning drive.

On the first play of that drive with 12 seconds left on the clock, quarterback Bryan Snyder stepped back into the pocket looking to pass. Cook used a counter move to send his blocker inside while he sped around the outside and wrapped up Snyder from behind to end the game.

"I was just trying to get a good rush off the edge and get some pressure on the quarterback," Cook said. "I wanted to make it hard on him to make a play."

Cook has been making it hard for opposing quarterbacks all year, as the second-year lineman didn't miss a game this season. Prior to joining the Wolves, Cook spent some time in the AFL's New York Dragons' training camp. His professional past also includes a short stay on the New Jersey Gladiators' practice squad and a few private NFL workouts.

As a senior with the C.W. Post Pioneers in 2001, Cook broke two NCAA Division II records for most sacks (20.5) and tackles for loss (37) in one season. He was named Don Hansen's Football Gazette Division II Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2001 and Don Hansen All-American for three straight years (1999-2001). He also earned Northeast-10 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors and team Defensive Most Valuable Player honors in 2001.

Last year he played eight games for the New Haven Ninjas, but only recorded two sacks during his first regular stint in Arena Football where lineman typically play both defense and offense.

"I think my offseason workouts helped me a lot this year," Cook said. "I don't think I was physically prepared for an Arena Football season last year. This year, thanks to my personal trainer Hakim Evans, I was more prepared and that's been the difference."

The difference has been a blessing for the Wolves who went from 18 total team sacks in 2002 (30th) to 29 total sacks (4th best) this season. The Wolves defense that allowed 45.5 points per game last season (18th) ranked first this year by allowing only 38.7 points per game. Most importantly, the Wolves increased their win total from three games in 2002 to 10 this season, resulting in the teams' first-ever playoff run.

Wolves head coach Mark Stoute, who actively recruited Cook this past offseason, knows Cook is one reason the Wolves have been able to make such a dramatic turnaround this season.

"He's really been a big key to our defensive success," Stoute said. "I think his success this year is a credit to him and how hard he works. He works harder than anyone in practice and it just proves that talent and hard work payoff."

Cook set team records for most sacks in a single game (3.5), most sacks in a season (11.5) and he was the named league ADT Defensive Player of the Week twice during the year, but the personal achievements isn't what motivates the 2001 C.W. Post graduate, who holds degrees in Business Administration and Marketing and Management Information Systems. Cook wants the ArenaCup.

"It means a lot," Cook said. "I'd take negative sacks if it meant winning a ring."

The ArenaCup is still a long way away, because first the Wolves need to get past the mighty Tennessee Valley Vipers. The Vipers, who went 14-2 this year, set an af2 record by only allowing three sacks the entire season, but that won't change Cook's gameplan.

"Hopefully we can continue to do what we've been doing," Cook said. I just want to get pressure (on the quarterback) and if a sack comes, it comes, but I'm going into the game looking to get pressure and try to help our defensive specialists make plays."

With the plays Cook has made this year, there's no doubt he'll get a few more looks from higher leagues this offseason. If the Wolves beat Tennessee Valley, they will face the winner of the Albany-Macon game for the right to go to the 2003 ArenaCup. For Cook, the future beyond this postseason looks even brighter.

"I think he's just scratched the surface of how good he can be," Stoute said. "I have no doubt he has the ability to move up to the AFL next year."

arenafootball2 Stories from August 6, 2003

• 'Wheelers plan to really T it up August 9th - Quad City Steamwheelers
• College Flavor to August 9th Steamwheelers Playoff game - Quad City Steamwheelers
• Something Cook-ing in Mohegan? - af2
• The Fire Wire - Louisville Fire
• Foxes Finish Record-Breaking 2003 Tied for Second - Charleston Swamp Foxes

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