Brandin Cooks

Cooks grew up in Stockton, Calif. and went on to become a three-sport start at Lincoln High School, where he also played basketball and competed as a sprinter while earning the nickname of "Sonic Boom." Rated as the No. 22 receiver in the nation by Rivals.com, Cooks committed to Oregon State and played in all 12 games with three starts as a freshman. Cooks really burst onto the scene in 2012 as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award after posting 1,151 receiving yards. Anyone concerned that Cooks' numbers were inflated while playing opposite Markus Wheaton had their fears curbed in 2013, when Cooks won the Biletnikoff Award after leading the FBS with 1,670 receiving yards during the regular season. At just 5-10 and 186 pounds, he lacks elite size for the position, but he shines with his natural athleticism and dynamic ability before and after he touches the ball.

quick hands to adjust and pluck with very good coordination to look the ball into his mitts. quick footwork to set up his routes and fool defenders - has worked hard to fine-tune this area. works hard to max out his frame.

Strong football character. Tough individual - has never missed a game at any level. Experience on special teams as a return man - became full-time punt returner in 2013 (6.0 average). Very productive and 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner as nation's top receiver - set Oregon State and Pac-12 records for catches (128) and receiving yards (1,730), also setting new school record for touchdown catches (24).

strengths

Special athlete with explosive feet and natural burst - springs in his legs. Fluid body control with excellent start/stop moves, open-field vision and patient hesitation to elude defenders - joystick moves with loose hips and joints. Beautiful acceleration with speed to burn - electric after the catch.

compares to

Tavon Austin, St. Louis Rams - Cooks is a slightly bigger, not as fast version of Austin due to explosive feet, open-field moves and natural athleticism that makes him a home-run threat whenever he touches the ball.

weaknesses

Lacks ideal size with below average height and length for the position. Limited strength, muscle and overall growth potential. Struggles with physical defenders and doesn't have ideal body strength - will be overwhelmed in man coverage. Looks to avoid contact and would much rather escape out of bounds or go around defenses. Needs to secure the ball through the process to eliminate drops and fumbles. Smallish target for quarterbacks.

Earned Offensive Player of the Year in the Section, All-Area and team MVP two years each

as a senior, he had 66 receptions for 1,125 yards and 11 touchdowns, and ended up with 1,525 all purpose yards

as a junior, he made 46 receptions for 783 yards and 10 touchdowns, and on defense had three interceptions

29 receptions for 600 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore

sprinter in track, participating in the Junior Olympics. Also played basketball and for his high school career earned six varsity letters

Rivals listed him the 22nd best receiver in the nation

competed in the National Underclassmen Combine's All World Gridiron Classic Dec. 31, 2010 in Orlando

Nike Combine wide receiver MVP at 2010 event at Stanford.

Born September 25, 1993 in Stockton, California

nickname is "sonic boom"

son of Worth and Andrea Cooks

has three brothers, Worth Jr., Fred and Andre

his stepbrother, Maurice Washington, played football at Texas A&M-Kingsville and was in the Oakland Raiders' training camp

chose OSU because "it is a great fit for me, I'm surrounded by respectful people and the great coaching staff"

has never missed a game at any level

majoring in human development and family sciences.