James Cook describes the value of Georgia in his development

James Cook put together quite a career at Georgia, finishing as the Bulldogs’ No. 2-leading rusher last season. The Bulldogs won the national title — and he discussed the value of playing for a national championship coach in Kirby Smart as he heads to the NFL.

The Buffalo Bills drafted Cook No. 63 overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He and Zamir White formed quite a one-two punch in the Bulldogs backfield last year, and that two-back system is something Cook said helped get him ready for the NFL.

“We run a two-back system at Georgia, so it kind of helps you save your body,” Cook said during his introductory press conference. “Whenever your opportunities call, you’ve got to take advantage of it. And that’s what I did. I feel like they did a good job of rotating and keeping our bodies fresh so it won’t be banged up. I don’t have less mileage on me.”

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But playing for Smart made him better off the field, as well, he said. Smart had high expectations for his players, and Cook said they had to be at their best both on and off the field. That’s why he thinks it’ll be an easy transition to the professional level.

“It was a big step,” Cook said of the standards Smart set. “It makes you a man. Kirby, he’s an awesome coach. He wants nothing but the best, and he pushed us to the limit each and every day to be great people on and off the field.”

James Cook describes his playing style and how he became versatile

The Buffalo Bills selected former Georgia running back James Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the hopes they will be able to mold him into the next multi-position offensive threat thanks to his ability to perform well anywhere on the field.

“I mean, there’s so many variations to what I can do, that I think some people in the NFL can’t do,” Cook said.

Cook said his versatility can see him end up in the backfield bouncing outside the tackles and finding lanes when need be, but he’s also comfortable in the slot and out wide.

This was apparent at Georgia last season, taking 113 carries for 728 yards and seven touchdowns while also rushing the ball 27 times for 284 yards and four more scores – both career highs for Cook. Throughout his career, he accounted for 2,233 yards of offensive production in four seasons with the Bulldogs. Additionally, Cook made his impact on the memorable game, rushing for 77 yards on six carries, including a momentum-shifting 67-yard rush.