Memphis’ Cook showing versatility this spring

As the only returning starter in Memphis’ defensive backfield, safety Jonathan Cook will be heavily relied upon in 2017.

He just might not be heavily replied upon as a safety.

Cook has taken repetitions at both safety and cornerback during spring ball, as the Tigers have explored different combinations of players in their new-look secondary. The former Alabama defensive back has played at his usual safety spot alongside former Missouri transfer Shaun Rupert, with junior-college transfer Tito Windham and former walk-on Christian Slaughter at corner. But he’s also taken repetitions at corner, opposite Windham, with redshirt freshman Josh Perry at safety alongside Rupert instead.

“He’s been doing a little of both this spring,” defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson said last week. “So he’s very valuable, and he has high expectations going into the season.”

Cook was initially recruited to Alabama as a cornerback out of Spanish Fort (Ala.) High School, and coach Mike Norvell said he played both spots at Garden City Community College, where he spent one year after being dismissed from the Crimson Tide by coach Nick Saban. So he has experience playing both positions.

Cook’s versatility is a major asset for a secondary that will likely remain in flux throughout fall camp. Junior-college transfer Marcus Green was expected to compete for a starting cornerback spot but suffered a relatively serious leg injury earlier this month and might not be ready for fall camp. Several other potential contributors, including four-star cornerback recruit T.J. Carter, will not arrive on campus until this summer.

“So we’re getting an opportunity to look at (Cook),” Norvell said. “With Marcus going down and still waiting on a couple of freshmen to come in, we feel like there’s an opportunity to maximize some of the days here this spring to get him a look at it, to get him a little bit more comfortable if he needs to do both. It’s good work.”

Cook led the Tigers with 88 total tackles a year ago. And regardless of which position he plays in the fall, the Tigers have high hopes for him. He’s missed a few practices this spring with minor injuries, but the coaching staff has been impressed by the way he’s orchestrated the defense on the field and emerged as a leader off of it.

“Cook has really stepped up from a leadership standpoint,” Woodson said. “He’s a guy that really went to a new level with his leadership, just being more vocal. You see it paying off in his play as well.”