Cooke looks like someone who could turn into a killer — that is, if he isn’t already. Though he wasn’t on the summer circuit as much as many of his Big Ten- and ACC-bound peers, he made an impression whenever he was out there. His highlight tape shows off his ferocious mindset and athleticism, and he kicks it off by laying the boom in vicious fashion. He plays defense with purpose and controlled aggression, covering a ton of ground and playing lights-out defense both below and above the goal line. Cooke can throw takeaway checks while running full-speed, which isn’t always as easy as it sounds, and it’s one of many qualities that highlight how well he moves for someone of his stature. He’s got excellent hips, along with the footwork and hands to match. I love how Cooke plays the position, and I’m excited to see where his game goes. I’ve always been a fan of how Michigan recruits the position, and he looks to be next in line.

When I saw Cooke at Main Stage, he made a play that stuck in my mind. He used his size to his advantage, scooped up a physical groundball, absorbed a hit while staying in bounds, and made a good feed that nearly turned into an assist. From his highlight tape, it looks like he made a ton of similar plays this spring, both on the defensive end and off the wing on face-offs. On the defensive end, he uses that same physicality on the island and when he slides to the ball. Cooke has all the qualities you look for in a future big-time defenseman.