Education
Cooke played defensive tackle, offensive tackle, linebacker and fullback at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. He was named all-area as senior after recording 80 tackles, including 13 sacks, with five pass breakups and three fumble recoveries. He recorded 62 tackles, including seven sacks, during his junior year en route to earning all-conference honors.
Cooke moved up to varsity in his sophomore year to play for coach Tom Bailey.
As a sophomore he racked up 35 tackles, including five sacks. Cooke was team captain in his junior and senior seasons.
He also participated in weight-lifting competitions and track and field
Cooke appeared in one game in 2006 for Northern Illinois versus Ohio on September 9 and recorded one tackle. After one season at Northern Illinois, Cooke transferred to Joliet Junior, where he was a second team All-American and first team all-conference, and conference defensive Most Valuable Player in 2007 after recording 30 tackles, including four sacks, with two pass breakups and one forced fumble.
Cooke appeared in eight games as reserve and on special teams during 2008 season for Purdue Boilermakers during Joe Tiller"s final year as Purdue head coach.
Cooke recorded seven tackles (2 solo, 5 assists) including season-high three tackles at Northwestern on October 18 (1 solo, 2 assists) and at Michigan State on November 8 (all assists).
