DALLAS — Not much was known about the quarterback entering the game. Thrown into the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl in 2012, Connor Cook had arrived.
The collective response when the redshirt freshman took the field against TCU—even from those who knew the young man—was that of genuine astonishment. Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun remembers the moment well.
“Connor? Connor is playing? The goofy quarterback we have is playing? It’s amazing to see how he switches it once he gets on the field,” Calhoun said. “He’s very focused and passionate about the game. It’s amazing to see how he’s grown over the years.