Eli Drinkwitz announced Brady Cook as Missouri’s starting quarterback on Tuesday night, and on Wednesday, he explained what went into the decision.

Drinkwitz said all of the quarterbacks went live on Sunday. The coach came back Monday feeling good about how Cook played, and said it was important to eliminate the questions and indecision. He added that Cook wants to and will run the football, and that Cook has one of the best 20 40-yard dash times on the team.

As for the other quarterbacks, Drinkwitz said Sam Horn is a lot farther ahead than where he expected him to be at this point. Also, Tyler Macon and Jack Abraham are disappointed, but bounced back well on Wednesday and will be ready if their number is called.

As the Tigers this offseason pursued other QB options via the transfer portal, Drinkwitz said Cook was among the QBs on the roster who, “ran to the fight.”

“He said, ‘Coach it means nothing more to me than to be the starting quarterback at the University of Missouri, so I’m here,” Drinkwitz said. “I’m going to fight for it, as long as you’re telling me it’s an open competition, regardless of what happens, I’m going to be here.’ He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do and more.”

H/T Dave Matter.