Swinney on the recruitment of Dalvin Cook: "We didn't get past 1st base with him" |
Dabo Swinney discussed several subjects during his Tuesday press conference previewing Florida State and was asked a recruiting question on how his coaching staff almost landed Florida State sophomore running back Dalvin Cook.
"We didn't almost sign him," Swinney said about Cook. "He just dated us for a little while and kicked us to the curb. Really nothing else. Great player, Great Great guy. I have always liked Dalvin. We didn't get past first base with him. He came here, liked it and told us that he wanted to come and changed his mind. He's where he needs to be. The best place for him and fit for him when it all came down to it." Cook was committed to Clemson from June 2012 until April 2013. Swinney has been impressed with Cook's play throughout the year and even said he believed that he was the #1 running back in the nation at a earlier press conference this season (ahead of LSU's Leonard Fournette, etc). "What a player. I have great respect for him as a player," Swinney said. "I thought he was a phenomenal talent in high school. Hard to find any better. His diversity that he plays the game with is special. He is a great competitor too. That's the other thing I like about Dalvin. He doesn't back down. He is a competitor. He puts every ounce and everything he's got into how he plays. Tough, tough guy but as far as the recruiting process we didn't get very far with him." Cook is on the early depth chart as a starter for the Clemson game despite an ankle injury. He has 127 rushes for 1037 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.
Upgrade Your Account
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now
