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Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook put himself on the map in the 2013 Big Ten championship game when he led the Spartans to a 34-24 win over Ohio State, a program that didn't bother to send him a preliminary recruiting letter, much less recruit him.

(Cleveland.com file photo)

EAST LANSING -- Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is going to have to start working a bit harder to keep the chip on his shoulder.

NFL.com joined the list of websites to anoint Cook the top senior quarterback in college football on Monday, joining WalterFootball.com and NFLDraftscout.com.

Cook, however, told ESPN.com in a recent interview that all he cares about is winning.

"If there is one thing you want to be known for as a quarterback it's winning," Cook said in the ESPN.com story. "'Oh, he's got a great arm, but he doesn't win games. Oh, his footwork, his pocket presence is awesome, but they went 6-6.' If you're known as a winner that's probably the greatest compliment you can get. Maybe the footwork isn't always there. Maybe the plays break down. Maybe the mechanics aren't always there, but you get it done."

The NFL.com article referenced Cook throwing for more than 6,000 yards with 46 touchdowns and 14 interceptions over the past two seasons.

"He has the prerequisite size, athleticism, anticipation, toughness, and football intelligence to excel at the next level,'' the NFL.com story said. "He hasn't cracked the 60 percent completion barrier in his career as of yet (58.1 percent last year) and has a new receiving corps for his senior year.

"Cook is the most intriguing senior prospect this year. If he can lead an inexperienced passing game in his final collegiate season, he'll be in line for a very high draft slot.''

Cook, 24-3, as a starting quarterback for the Spartans but always looking for added motivation, might feel better to know that Ralph Russo, the Associated Press' national college football writer, believes Penn State's Christian Hackenberg will be picked ahead of him in the draft.