Elijah

Cooks

Cooks (6'4/215) has been on campus since 2017 and led the team in receiving when he reeled in 76-of-119 passes for 926 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019. Unfortunately Cooks has been besieged by injury in the two years since then, catching 15-of-25 targets for 157 yards and four touchdowns in just four games. He joins several other Nevada players who left the program in HC Jay Norvell’s wake, however he is the first not to follow Norvell to Colorado State, instead opting for the west coast under SJSU HC Brian Brennan. Cooks is a great fit for the Spartans, who are missing a true deep threat since star wideout Bailey Gaither left for the 2021 NFL Draft.

When he broke his foot against Wyoming, Cooks (6'4/215) unknowingly had played his final snap for the Wolfpack. The decision to leave comes just days after head coach Jay Norvell left Nevada to become the head coach at Colorado State. Upon entering the portal, Cooks will have one final year of eligibility remaining, who amassed 115 rec for 1,478 yards and 18 TD in his career for the Wolfpack.

Cooks suffered a season ending shoulder injury last year, and will now miss another season with a foot problem. Cooks does have another year of eligibility according to head coach Jay Norvell. Cooks was the end zone specialist for Nevada this year, scoring four out of seven receiving touchdowns for the team and will be sorely missed.

Elijah Cooks (6'4/215) found the end zone twice in the first half of Saturdays 49-10 victory over Idaho State, reeling in two 12-yard passes for touchdowns. It marks the second-straight week that Cooks has found the end zone, and gives him a receiving line of 9/112/3 through the first two weeks. Cooks and the Wolfpack will take on Kansas State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Week 3.

Cooks (6'4/215) was suspended for the first half of Nevada’s season opener against Wyoming. Upon entering in the second half, Cooks caught two passes for 24 yards before exiting the game after landing on his shoulder following his second reception. When asked about Cook’s status, HC Mike Norvell said “He will have an opportunity to come back next season and we’re hoping he does that. He’s really a special player and we miss him.” The Wolfpack will now be forced to lean on Romeo Doubs as their primary receiving option when they face New Mexico on Saturday.

Cooks (6'4/215) was suspended for the first half of Nevada’s season opener against Wyoming. Upon entering in the second half, Cooks caught two passes for 24 yards before exiting the game after landing on his shoulder following his second reception. When asked about Cook’s status, HC Mike Norvell said “He’s got a shoulder injury and there’s a good chance that he’s going to have to have surgery.” The senior wide receiver led Nevada with 76 catches, 926 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The Wolfpack will now be forced to lean on Romeo Doubs as the primary receiving option when they face Utah State this Thursday.

Cooks (6'4/215) was suspended for the first half of Nevada’s season opener against Wyoming. Upon entering in the second half, Cooks caught two passes for 24 yards before exiting the game after landing on his shoulder following his second reception. When asked about Cooks’ availability, HC Jay Norvell said “I think we’ll see here as the next couple days go on. Elijah is pretty sore, but hasn’t been ruled out at this point. We’re hopeful he will be able to participate and play this Saturday.” Nevada faces in-state MWC rival UNLV this Saturday in what will be the first ever collegiate game to take place at the Las Vegas Raiders’ new Allegiant Stadium.

No word as to why Cooks (6'4/215) was suspended for the first half, but the expectation is that Nevada’s best pass-catcher will be available for the game’s final 30 minutes. In 2019, Cooks caught 76 passes for 926 yards and eight touchdowns.

Cooks had his best game of the season Friday, as the receptions and receiving yards established new career-highs for the sophomore. In his last two games the 6-foot-4, 215-pound wide receiver caught a total of 26 passes for 348 yards and a touchdown. He and QB Carson Strong should be a tough combination for opposing secondaries to deal with next season. Cooks finishes 2019 with a receiving stat line of 76-926-8.

Cooks (6'4/215) was the lifeblood of Nevada’s passing game in this one. His 12 receptions and 151 yards were both the highest marks of any player in this game. Oddly enough, this was Cook’s first and only 100-yard game of the season. Cooks will get a chance for another one in Nevada’s bowl game later this year.