Eli Drinkwitz details why he named Brady Cook as QB1, dynamic moving forward

Missouri’s quarterback battle, for all intents and purposes, is over with Brady Cook set as their QB1 again this weekend. Even so, Eli Drinkwitz isn’t letting that decision affect how the program goes about working with Sam Horn.

Drinkwitz addressed the Tiger’s quarterback competition and room during his press conference on Wednesday. He said it’s Cook’s job now based on how he has prepared. He then noted that they’re going to continue to give Horn every chance that they can to help him develop.

“We will be moving forward with Brady Cook as our quarterback and quarterback number one while giving Sam opportunities to grow throughout the game,” said Drinkwitz. “It won’t look the same as it did this past week as far as, maybe, exactly equal (opportunities) in the first half and second half.”

“We’re definitely committed to letting Sam continue to get reps, improve, and grow. I think he has earned that opportunity. But I also think Brady Cook has earned the right to be quarterback one and take the lion’s share of the reps,” Drinkwitz said. “That’s how we’ll be operating moving forward.”

In Mizzou’s season-opening win over South Dakota, Cook went 17/21 for 172 yards. That led to a pair of touchdowns from him, one passing and one rushing. He was the starter for the game and led the team in the first half to 28 of their points.

Then, in the second half, Horn came in against the Coyotes. He went 3/5 for 54 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Drinkwitz believes that this decision needed to be made and now, as they move forward, he thinks the dynamic will be similar. The room understands where Cook is in the hierarchy and, from here, it’s all about improving as a unit to help him and their offense succeed.

“I don’t think it’ll change much from the way it’s been progressing so far. I think there’s a pretty good feel for Brady as being the leader in that room,” said Drinkwitz. “All those guys understand how one quarterback plays is a reflection of everybody in that room. They’ve got really good camaraderie and leadership. I don’t think much will change.”

Cook will make his 16th career start for Missouri this weekend at Faurot Field against MTSU. That’ll give him one more matchup to get his feet under him as the full-time starter before they’ll host a Top-25 team in Kansas State the following weekend.