QB1 carries a lot of responsibility. For Blanchard High School senior Carson Cooksey, that responsibility is fuel for what could be a great year as a Lion.
“Blanchard is a great place to be a student-athlete because we have a great group of guys with wonderful coaches. It is fun to play when you know you have the whole community supporting you,” said Cooksey. “I enjoy the challenge and responsibility of being the quarterback. I understand that means leading the team both on and off the field. I enjoy everything about the game of football from off season workouts to Friday night lights.”
Last season Cooksey threw for 2,698 yards with 26 touchdowns averaging over 224 yards per game. His quarterback rating of 96.4 percent has him in the upper echelon of QBs in Oklahoma. Growing up, Cooksey, like many of his peers, played multiple sports but gravitated to football.
“Growing up I played basketball, football and baseball. My dad was a basketball coach, so I spent my early days in a gym with him so that made basketball my favorite until I got to middle school. That is when I really started to love football and knew that my goal was to play football at the college level,” said Cooksey.
Today, Cooksey and his teammates are focused, prepared and ready for the challenges of a tough schedule. Cooksey mentioned some of his teammates who are turning heads in summer workouts.
“I feel fortunate that I am surrounded by some great players with experience. Brayson Carter, Ross Johnston, and Reagan Palmer are just a few of our playmakers that will be fun to watch this season,” said Cooksey. “I am ready for football season to start and think we have a great chance to make a run for a state championship. This year is really the first opportunity for me to be on the field with my younger brother, Colin, who is a sophomore offensive lineman.”
The schedule is dotted with tough games, but for Cooksey one game stands out. A game they won last season.
“The Tuttle game at home is one that we will all be excited to play. We beat them at their house last year on a last second play so I know they will be ready to play us too,” said Cooksey. “Our team has a lot of experience and the upperclassman that I play with love our school and program. I know they will compete, and they will be ready to go to battle no matter the situation.”
After this year, Cooksey will look to take his talents to the next level while pursuing a degree in Sports Management. The senior said he wants his class to be remembered for the work they put in to be successful. “I would like for us to be remembered as a group of guys who work hard and do things the right way on and off the field. Hopefully, we will be remembered for bringing a state championship back to Blanchard.”
