Austin Westlake’s Star Interior Lineman: Jackson Cook

Jackson Cook is a 3 Star recruit who plays Interior Offensive Line at Austin Westlake High School. Cook is ranked among one of the top recruits in the nation and is ranked as a top 70 Interior Offensive Lineman in the nation as well. In addition, Cook is listed among one of the top recruits in the state of Texas and is listed as a top 10 Interior Offensive Lineman in the state of Texas. He is committed to play at Texas.

Who are some role models in your life?
Some role models in my life are my dad, stepdad, mom, and grandpa. They’ve all taught me different lessons about hard work, discipline, and the kind of person I want to be.

What artists do you listen to pregame to get you hyped up?
I don’t really have one specific artist I listen to, but every year before the season I always listen to “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn. It’s kind of become a tradition for me.

What are the strengths of your game?
I’m a very physical player, and I play through the whistle on every snap. I also use all three levels of the defense to make my reads, and my passion for the game pushes me to outwork and outplay the guy across from me.

What is your favorite memory of your career?
There was a defensive end we played against who had been talking trash all week on social media and messaging us about how he was going to dominate the game. On the first play, I pancaked him. For the rest of the game, I either drove him 10 yards off the ball or put him on his back. Celebrating that with my coaches and teammates was an awesome feeling, and it was one of the moments that made me realize I could be a really good football player.

Who is the best player you have ever played with or played against in your career?
Maddox Flint and William Heese. Both of them helped me a lot, and now they’re playing college football. Getting to practice with them every day and learn from them played a big role in helping me become the player I am today.

What is some advice you would give to an aspiring D1 athlete?
Keep going. I had people tell me I’d never play college football, and when I said I wanted to play for the Texas Longhorns, people laughed at me. You have to block out the noise and keep working, even on the days you don’t feel like it. Find people who want to get better too. Some of my best workouts were with guys who played different positions or even different sports because we all pushed each other.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’d probably go to New Zealand. I love hunting and fishing, and it seems like an incredible place to do both.

How old were you when you fell in love with the game?
I was probably around 10 years old when I knew football was what I wanted to do.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?
I’d choose Tim Tebow. The leadership he showed and the way he lived out his Christian faith are things I really look up to and want to emulate.

What is your favorite sports moment as a fan?
Watching Fernando Mendoza score the game-winning touchdown in the state championship. That’s a moment I’ll never forget as a fan.