The Hurry-Up: Jake Cook Enjoyed “Awesome” Atmosphere at Ohio State, Jermaine Mathews Continues Strong Season, Calvin Simpson-Hunt and Malik Hartford Will Be Honored As All-Americans

By Garrick Hodge on October 5, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Jake Cook
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2025 Ohio offensive lineman Jake Cook has made no shortage of visits to Ohio State over the last few months. 

A sophomore at nearby Westerville North, Cook visited OSU twice in the spring and camped with the Buckeyes twice in June. But Saturday’s contest against Rutgers afforded him his first chance to experience a gameday atmosphere at Ohio Stadium. 

“The visit was great, the atmosphere was totally awesome,” Cook told Eleven Warriors. “It was my first time going to a game, I went to the spring game back in April and that atmosphere was totally different. It was a packed game and that was really cool to see. I got to go into the locker room after the game and hear coach Day talk, that was really sweet. 

It was also a productive visit for Cook, who caught up with offensive line coach Justin Frye and graduate assistant Mike Sollenne.

“I got to talk with coach Frye and coach Sollenne for a little bit,” Cook said. “They just broke down on what I need to work on and what they see in me. Their big thing on me is they see me as an interior guy at either guard or center. Coach Frye wants me to keep playing how I’ve been playing and work on my hand placement on pass pro and getting that punch off quicker instead of letting them come into me a little more.”  

Cook currently starts at left tackle for Westerville North, but played guard in his freshman season and worked out at primarily at center and guard in the camp circuit. The Ohio prospect said he was thankful he had the opportunity to work out with the Buckeyes twice over the summer.

“I was a lot more comfortable going into camp (the second time),” Cook said. “Some tips that I picked up were on the run game side with your feet, and getting on a dude and taking him from point A and point B.”

Cook has also visited Illinois and Cincinnati this fall, and plans to attend games at Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame later this season. He said he has not yet planned his next visit to Ohio State, but hopes to return for another game before the fall concludes.

A 6-foot-5, 295-pound prospect, Cook has six Division I offers thus far from Marshall, Ball State, Massachusetts, Miami (Ohio), Akron and Eastern Kentucky. Growing up an Ohio State fan, Cook said he’s still working hard on earning an offer from the Buckeyes.

“It would definitely be really special,” Cook said. “Obviously I’m keeping my options open but growing up 20 minutes away from Ohio State and growing up a Buckeye fan, it would definitely mean everything.” 

Mathews continues to have electric season

Four-star 2023 commit Jermaine Mathews is coming to Ohio State next year to play cornerback, though if his senior season is any indication, he’s going to also be in the mix to be an early contributor on special teams. 

In Winton Woods’ 28-23 victory over Kings Friday, Mathews returned a kickoff for a touchdown using agile moves to break free in open space.

The Ohio product also had an electric punt return for a touchdown earlier this season. Mathews and Winton Woods are off to a strong start this season with the Warriors boasting a 7-0 record.

Hartford, Simpson-Hunt to be honored as All-Americans

2023 Ohio State defensive back commits Malik Hartford and Calvin Simpson Hunt will both be officially honored as All-Americans by the All-American Bowl at 8 p.m. Wednesday with a virtual jersey presentation. 

Simpson-Hunt, a cornerback, visited Ohio State on Sept. 3 for the Notre Dame game, while Hartford has made several visits to OSU this fall. Speaking of Hartford, he housed an interception for Lakota West last week.

Hartford and Simpson-Hunt are among seven Ohio State commits currently slated to play in the All-American Bowl. Luke Montgomery, Mark Fletcher, Brandon Inniss, Kayin Lee and Carnell Tate will also make the trip to San Antonio in January.

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