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Cook makes an impression on Titans

Jared Cook lead horizontal

Jared Cook

Erik Campos/ecampos@thestate.com

Written by JIM WYATT

The Tennessean
Posted on 06.26.09
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Alge Crumpler went to North Carolina, Jared Cook to South Carolina.

Crumpler entered the NFL as a run-blocking tight end, and Cook has been lauded for his athleticism and playmaking ability at the position.

There remain big differences between these two Titans tight ends, including size and age — Crumpler has Cook by almost 10 years.

But everyone agrees on one thing: Cook could learn a lot from Crumpler, who developed into a playmaker and became a four-time Pro Bowl selection. And the rookie is taking advantage of Crumpler’s presence.

“Crump is like a coach,” said Cook, a third-round draft pick. “Crump has been around the league a long time and he just knows — he has a lot of wisdom to share. Every time I come off the field he’ll tell me little things, tell me things I need to correct, which is very helpful, especially in the meeting rooms and when we’re watching film.

“It’s just great to have someone like that around, a big savvy guy who knows a lot and can teach you a lot. I learn something from him every day.”

As a rookie with the Falcons in 1999, Crumpler learned from veterans Reggie Kelly and Brian Kozlowski. Eight seasons later he has 340 career catches, 4,469 yards, 36 touchdowns and a mountain of information to share.

Cook has also leaned on veteran tight end Bo Scaife, who led the Titans in receptions last season, but said Crumpler has been an especially good resource.

Crumpler, who turns 32 in December, said he is more than willing to help.

“I let him know he can count on me ... I gave him my number and told him to call me any time if he had any questions. I won’t steer you wrong,” Crumpler said. “I got thrown in the fire pretty early. It was fun for me. I wanted to be in those situations and that’s what I tell Jared — you have to want to be in those situations and you have to want it bad.

“They’re not holding anything back for Jared here. They’re throwing him in there.”

The 6-foot-5, 246-pound Cook has had a lot of impressive catches during Titans minicamp practices, but he has also had some bad drops. He has lined up at tight end as well as split out wide like a receiver, and at times seemed overwhelmed with everything the coaching staff is throwing at him.

Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger would like to use Cook the same way he used eight-time Pro Bowl pick Shannon Sharpe while with the Broncos. Heimerdinger said it is unfair to compare the two at this point except that Sharpe was better at the line of scrimmage and Cook is faster.

“I still have to find out what he can do,” Heimerdinger said. “I get excited now when he gets lines up right.”

If Cook gets that part of the game plan down, the Titans plan using him in a variety of ways.

“He has had some drops but at the same time he is getting open, so that means he knows the offense, and the coaches are confident to put him in there,” veteran linebacker Keith Bulluck said. “Coming out of the gate he’ll probably have a lot of success because (defenses) will probably try and match up with a linebacker and I’m sure he’ll run away from them.”

Cook has been a good pupil so far, Crumpler said. His only complaint: Cook has not asked enough questions.

“He’s just a quiet guy,” Crumpler said.

Cook caught 37 passes for 573 yards and three touchdowns in his final season at South Carolina. He is learning that every ball in the air is important and catches will not be as easy as they were in college.

“I just have to keep learning,” Cook said. “You can always get better, and you can never be satisfied. ... Hopefully they have a lot of plans for me, but I just have to keep working and earn their trust.”

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