This week's College Player Profile is Jack Cochrane South Dakota Coyotes.  

Jack was a standout student/athlete while at Mount Vernon High School.  Jack participated in four sports, football, wrestling, track and baseball.  Jack also excelled in the classroom maintaining a 3.9 or greater GPA, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

While on the football team Jack began his career as a quarterback, he then went to tightend and finshed as a tailback on the offensive side of the ball.  Jack was always willing to sacrifice for the team.  When asked where he wanted to play Jack was always quick to respond wherever the team needs me.  

Jack was a member of the football leadership council and helped turn the Mustang Football program around.  

On the field Jack was very successful as well.  Jack was a two time all-state and all-district performer.  Jack also helped lead the Mustangs to the State Championship game his junior year and the state semi-finals his senior year. Jack holds the school record as the all-time leading scorer with 406 points.  Jack also finished his career with 2,505 yards rushing, 52 touchdowns, and had 1,110 yards receiving with 14 touchdowns.  

Jack excelled on the defensive side of the ball as well.  Jack was the defensive captain for 3 years and finished his high school career with 218 tackles, seven sacks and seven interceptions.  It did not stop there, Jack was also the punt returner and kick-off returner.  Most games Jack only left the field one or two times.

This week we sent a questionaire to Jack and below are his responses:

Most memorable Mustang Moment: I would have to say my favorite memory from High School football was beating number one ranked Albia to go to the State Championship game.

What is college football like: College football for me, so far, has been an awesome experience! It has been really fun learning from all of the older players, as well as meeting all my new teammates.

How did Mount Vernon help you with the transition to college: Mount Vernon helped me a tremendous amount in preparing myself for college football. I feel like all the activities I was involved in during high school helped to make me a better all around athlete both physically and mentally. Also, I would have to say the coaching I received at Mount Vernon has helped me a lot from a football standpoint.

Tell us about South Dakota: What I really like about South Dakota is the people. The vast majority of people I get to be around everyday are small-town midwestern kids like myself, and the ones who aren't are still tremendous people who have made me feel very welcome.

What advice would you give to our players: If you truly want to succeed in football you have to go the extra mile in every aspect of the game. This includes weight lifting, practice, and film study.

What are your future plans: As of now I'm fairly undecided as far as a possible career goes, but I may possibly want to go to law school.

Season outlook for the Coyotes: I believe that with the hardworking kids we have, in addition to excellent coaches, we have a shot at having a great year in the Missouri Valley!

"Jack is a natural born leader, he was helping our football team as a sophomore and was a great leader for the older and younger players.  Jack was also the ultimate team player he would always put the team above himself.  He wanted to be in the game and in practice every day and everyplay.  Jack was instrumental in the turnaround of Mustang Football.  He will be truly missed but the lessons and leadership he left behind will be with the players for a long time," Head Coach Lance Pedersen  


Personal
Parents are John and Kathleen