I attended the Rivals Elite Camp and Combine at C.E. King High School this past weekend to see UH’s two 2027 Coog commits in person. Both did well, but one had a monster of a weekend.
Mo Poko
Katy Jordan’s Mo Poko participated as a wide receiver through testing and drills. Houston appears to want to play him on the defensive side of the ball based on who is recruiting him. Poko says he speaks most with safeties coach PJ Hall, but also with WR coach Brian Bell (who made the offer).
Poko showed off quick feet and good hands during drills. Paired with a good frame and build, it’s easy to see why the Coogs are happy to have him. He was invited to the Rivals Camp to compete, and he enjoys it.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Poko said in reference to facing his talented teammates in practice. Houston has also offered wide receivers Landon Williams (2027) and Rush Williams (2029) from Katy Jordan. GoCoogs.com’s partner, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, said Williams was the MVP of the camp.
Poko’s versatility and ability to impact all three phases will be a significant factor in Katy Jordan’s attempt at another playoff push. His. He had a kick return touchdown last season, as well as playing offense and defense.
Raiden Cook
No single player improved their stock more than Barbers Hill’s Raiden Cook. Hill is dynamic but underrecruited so far, although Kentucky and Texas Tech have offered him since the news of his performance went public. Cook won DL MVP at the camp.
I get the impression from UH that Cook will play offensive line at the next level, but he is a rising star on the defensive line. Cook attended the combine on Saturday and impressed enough to be asked to return Sunday to compete with top-end prospects.
“Whatever gets me out on the field. I don’t care what position I play,” he said.
Cook is listed at 6’6” and 270 lbs, and carries it well. He plays basketball, throws the shotput, and runs the 100m and 200m. His relative fluidity is impressive at such a big frame, and it really showed up as he competed in testing and one-on-one drills this weekend. Seeing him in person really drives home what kind of player he is. By signing day, he could end up as the best player in UH’s class.
Here, he shows off his power as well, winning with a bull rush. He took some reps on the interior and showed off his quickness. Cook missed some games last season due to a Grade 3 turf toe injury. Seeing him glide around the field removes any concerns of lingering effects.
His weekend performance has already earned him an SEC offer and one from Texas Tech, and I expect offers to continue pouring in. Cook understands that as he performs, the attention will follow, but he’s happy with his commitment to UH and relationships with the staff.
“They check on me almost every single day. My eyes are really set on UH. I can tell that they want me,” Cook said of the Houston staff.
Basketball, fans providing the assist
UH’s junior day included the recruits on campus attending the basketball game versus Cincinnati on January 31. Both Cook and Poko were impressed by the atmosphere. “That part stole it. The environment, the fans,” said Poko.
“They had some great fans out there. I love to see the fans, it gets you more enthusiastic,” said Cook. He wants to be part of building the same kind of atmosphere and excitement around football games in the future.
Both Cook and Poko mentioned that since being offered, they have heard from someone on staff almost every day. The recruits that I’ve had the chance to speak with all say that the Houston staff makes them feel wanted and welcome.
The program did a good job of spotting these two under-recruited players and locking things in early. There’s a long way to go between now and signing day, but the staff is doing their part to keep things locked in. The future continues to look bright for Houston.
