Heisman Trophy Watch 2015: Where top 15 candidates ranked as recruits

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Connor Cook
247Sports Overall Composite Ranking: No. 968
Position Ranking: No. 34
Heisman Odds: +2,500

As a recruit, Connor Cook was just looking to separate himself from the pack. Playing for Walsh Jesuit High School in Stow, Ohio he  did not exactly put up solid numbers. In in the 2009 season, he did not exactly put up eye-popping numbers throwing for nine touchdowns and 14 interceptions. If there was a silver lining, it was that he threw for 1,160 yards which amounted to 128.9 yards per game in the process.

Michigan State was the only team to offer Cook a scholarship.

Joining four other players from the state of Ohio in the 2011 recruiting class, Cook was the only signal-caller signed in the class. The class itself ranked No. 32 in the country and No. 7 in the Big Ten per the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

With a class that featured Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller and Devin Smith, the 2011 class was very deep. However, as shown by his play on the field, Michigan State found a “diamond in the rough.”