4-star ATH Payton Cook commits to Louisville: 'I will get to learn from the best'

Akron (Ohio) Archbishop Hoban athlete Payton Cook visited Louisville last weekend and he knew he wanted to be a Cardinal.

“I really felt like I was at home,” Cook told On3. “I knew I wanted to commit on Saturday when I was there. When I was there, I watched practice and took everything in, and after seeing it, I knew Louisville was the right place and where I wanted to be.”

Cook had around 20 offers. Michigan was high on his list at one time. Other schools were being considered too, but once Louisville hired Deion Branch a little over a month ago, things shifted towards the Cardinals.

“Right off the rip, as soon as he got in office, he said I was the first dude he texted. I knew then how interested he was in me and knowing a guy like that, who played there and won Super Bowls, was interested in me, it showed me a lot.

“As soon coach Branch was hired, and we started talking, they became the top school for me. He was pushing for me as soon as he got into the office. I could tell that he wanted me, and to have the chance to play for a legend like coach Branch, I couldn’t turn it down.”

Cook sees Branch as the total package.

“The thing I like about coach Branch is, he’s a really big family guy. It is not all football, but when it is, he knows the game and he can teach me a lot. Coach Branch is going to help me learn and grow, then he has those connections to help me too. Just being able to have him as a coach is unbelievable. He is going to help me on and off the field.”

Cook felt wanted by Louisville

Like Branch, head coach Jeff Brohm played at Louisville. The Cardinals offered Cook in April of his freshman season, so they have recruited him for a while. That paid off, and the 6-foot 1/2, 185-pound playmaker is excited about his future.

“Louisville has recruited me hard and they showed me that they wanted me,” Cook said. “They have a really deep history there with pro and ex-pro football players and it is a program that is playing well under coach Brohm. They have a lot of guys on the staff who have been where I am trying to get to. I am going there and I will get to learn from the best. That is something I couldn’t turn down.”

Louisville likes Cook as a wide receiver and he will take is official visit on June 20.