Cook's offseason helped earn him starting position

AP Bengals starting center Kyle Cook.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer Updated 11:02 PM Sunday, June 28, 2009

Kyle Cook didn’t inherit the job as starting center for the Cincinnati Bengals. He earned it.

After a year on the practice squad (2007) and a season ruined by a freak toe injury (2008), Cook seized control of the position with a strong offseason that included stellar performances in on-field coaching sessions and full-squad minicamp.

The rugged 6-foot-3, 306-pounder from Michigan State takes over the critical position from Eric Ghiaciuc, who signed with Kansas City as an unrestricted free agent on April 30.

Despite the fact Cook has played in only five NFL games with zero starts, offensive line coach Paul Alexander wasted no time in naming Cook the starter because he trusts him.

“He may be one of the smartest guys we’ve had,” Alexander said.

It sure helps to have brains and brawn.

Keep reading: New center Cook has 'it'

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