Defensive back Anthony Cook announced Thursday that he is leaving the Texas program ahead of his junior year.
Cook wrote on his Twitter page, “Due to unfortunate situations I will not be playing another snap for the University of Texas. Has nothing to do with anyone or anything. Please respect my decision.”
Cook was widely viewed as being a candidate to be a fixture in the Longhorns’ secondary during the 2020 season.
An All-American during his time at Houston’s Lamar High School, Cook arrived in Austin in 2018 and appeared in 14 games while making one start as a freshman. He logged 18 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed.
Last year, Cook made six starts and played in 11 games, amassing 24 tackles, two passes defensed and one forced fumble. He recorded six tackles in Texas’ 38-10 win over Utah in the Alamo Bowl.
Cook’s exit came hours after Longhorns coach Tom Herman announced that safety B.J. Foster sustained a broken hand while punching his car bumper. According to Herman, Foster was angry that someone had damaged the bumper without leaving a note.