WVU running back Cam Cook returns to TCU for 1st time since transferring
Trending
MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia running back Cam Cook caught the screen pass and, with blockers in front, took off. The fourth-year back burst down the sideline for the game-tying score against Cincinnati, eventually contributing in the first Big 12 win of the season. It was the first receiving touchdown of his career.
Cook has been as good as advertised. Last year's leading rusher had a lot of hype coming into the season, especially after the Mountaineers' turnstile of running backs, to be the lead back. Cook is the Big 12's leading rusher, averaging 112 yards a game, and is fifth in college football. His ability to make players miss is one of the best in the country, and he is on pace to lead the nation in 2026.
Rich Rodriguez hasn’t been afraid to squeeze every ounce of money he spent bringing in Cook in the transfer portal this offseason. He has carried the ball the most in the country (168).
"I'm feeling pretty good," Cook said. "I think that last game, I didn't take too many hits, so I think I'm feeling pretty good right now."
Cook wasn't always the nation's leading rusher, or the lead back, which is why he ended up at WVU. He started his career as the backup running back at TCU. On Saturday at noon, the Mountaineers head to Fort Worth to face the Horned Frogs, which will be Cook's first time back since he transferred to Jacksonville State in 2024.
"It'll be the first time seeing the visitors’ locker room," Cook said.
Cook's departure had no bad intent. He was the backup to Emani Bailey, who had 1,209 yards rushing, his freshman year, and then he split the backfield with Jeremy Payne in his sophomore year. But TCU's offense never really focused on running the ball. It was more about quarterback Josh Hoover slinging the ball deep down the field. He wanted an opportunity where he was utilized a lot more, so he went to Jacksonville State.
"Happy for Cam," TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said. "He's been really productive. Went to Jacksonville State and did really well there. Not surprised. He's a good football player, and he's a great kid. Great family. Happy that he's had success, and not surprised."
It's been over a season and a half since Cook played at TCU. There are some similar players still on the team, like Payne, who is now the lead back for the Horned Frogs. But there have been changes, like Dykes bringing in defensive coordinator Andy Avalos just before Cook left. Since Avalos took over, TCU has slowly become the best rushing defense in the Big 12, posing a challenge for Cook and the run game.
WVU's coaching staff has asked Cook for some inside intel, but too much has changed since he was on the team in 2023.
"It was definitely different when I was there," Cook said. "They've gotten better in stopping the run. I'll say that. It's something I have to experience now. I've been watching the film, trying to see what they got going. But it's a little bit different than when I was there."
Cook is excited to get back to Fort Worth. He had this game circled for when the schedule was announced. A lot of that is just getting back to Texas, where he is from. Cook is trying to request 20 tickets for the game, so he can get all his family and former high school teammates there.
It'll be nice for Cook to see his former Horned Frogs' teammates, too, and show them the running back he's grown into since he left -- one of the top backs in the country.
"I’ve definitely thought about it, but to me, it’s just another game," Cook said. "Just trying to go out there, get another win with the guys. But other than that, maybe it’d be good to see my family that lives in that area. But other than that, I don’t really draw too much to it."