Brey Cook Reflects on Memphis Influence Ahead of Arkansas Showdown

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Brey Cook, a former Arkansas offensive lineman, is gearing up for an emotional matchup between the Razorbacks and Memphis this Saturday.

Cook, a Springdale native and the top recruit in Arkansas in the Class of 2011, played under coach Bobby Petrino at the University of Arkansas. After starting 30 games during his collegiate career, he briefly played in the NFL before returning to coaching.

His coaching journey led him back to Fayetteville, serving as a graduate assistant in 2016 and then as head coach at Pea Ridge High School. Despite a challenging four-year stint and a 10-30 record, Cook credits his time with Memphis coaches Mike Norvell and Ryan Silverfield for his development. “I was raised in Arkansas, but I grew up in Memphis,” Cook said.

As the Razorbacks prepare to face the Tigers, Cook reflects on the similarities he sees in Memphis’ coaching staff and his experiences with Arkansas. “The biggest thing I took away from Coach Silverfield was that no detail is too small to be corrected,” he noted. This attention to detail, Cook believes, is part of what has kept Memphis competitive, as evidenced by their recent successes.

The matchup carries personal stakes for Cook, who expressed excitement about attending the game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. He noted that Memphis has a vibrant sense of community, which he appreciates deeply. “I love the city; it’s got soul… you go into a restaurant and you feel like you know everybody there,” he said.

Both teams enter the game at crucial points in their seasons, with Memphis aiming to bolster its chances for a College Football Playoff spot and the Razorbacks looking for a rebound after a disappointing performance last week.

“There are so many similarities between Arkansas and Memphis,” Cook said, highlighting the passionate fanbases and strong community ties. As he looks ahead to the contest, he expressed mixed emotions about cheering for his beloved Razorbacks, while also having strong ties to Memphis. “I bleed that Razorback red, but I’ll be there in Memphis watching the game… I’m most excited about some barbecue afterwards,” Cook added.

As the days draw closer, Cook looks forward to witnessing the fierce competition on the field and reflecting on the friendships and lessons he learned during his time in Memphis.