He played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft.

He played running back, wide receiver and quarterback on offense, and cornerback on defense.

He was named first-team all-state defensive back as a junior when he made more than 50 tackles and intercepted eight passes.

Cook started 31-of-38 games for the Virginia Cavaliers, collecting 143 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, 19 passes breakups and seven interceptions, two which he returned for touchdowns.

[1] During a game against the Chicago Bears on December 1, 2013, Cook was ejected for making illegal contact with an official following an Alshon Jeffery touchdown.