NC State junior tight end Cole Cook has enjoyed catching the ball more this spring.

Part of increase in touches is due to new offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz, but also attrition at the position. David J. Grinnage and Benson Browne have moved on, and junior Jaylen Samuels has missed some time due to injuries.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Cook has welcomed the extra work. He caught six passes for 61 yards last year. One thing missing was a touchdown, which he hopes to rectify during the Kay Yow Spring Game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium.

“I’m grateful for any catches,” said Cook, who is from Carrollton, Ga. “This spring has been good and I’ve gotten better in all facets of my game. As an offense, we are starting to click more. I know the offense now. I know what I am doing, so I can play fast.”

Cook isn’t yet ready to guarantee a touchdown Saturday, but he’s going to be ready if the ball comes his way.

“I’m going to do my best, but I’m not going to guarantee anything,” Cook said. “If the opportunity arrises, I’m going to make the most of it. If I get an opportunity to catch one, I will.”

Cook focused on being an increased vocal leader and improving as a route runner this spring.

“I wanted to know the ins and outs of the offense by the end of the spring, and I think I’ve done that,” Cook said. “I’ve been able to learn a lot because I’ve played so many different spots.”

What isn’t statistically easy to explain is the quality blocking Cook has performed for the various NC State ballcarriers.

“It always has been something I’ve been good at,” Cook said. “When I was younger, and then at college, that is how I got myself on the field. I could establish myself as a blocker and move people off the line. It has always been a strength for me.

“I want to show people that I can do everything and not just block, and I want to show people I have what it takes to be a complete tight end.”

Cook has spent the spring blocking NCSU defensive ends Bradley Chubb and Kentavius Street.

“They are different styles,” Cook said. “Chubb is a lot quicker with a quicker get off, and a good pass-rusher.

“Kentavius is strong and can post you up. Blocking Chubb and Kentavius is what prepares you for ACC D-Ends.”

Cook knows change is always going to occur every year. Grinnage elected to enter the NFL Draft a year early, creating the first ripple effect. Redshirt junior Pharaoh McKever made the move from defensive end to tight end prior to the Belk Bowl, was a welcome bit of change.

“It was a little different at first [without Grinnage, Browne], but every year is different,” Cook said. “Each group has their own dynamic. This year’s tight end group has their own identity and our own type of swagger.”

Learning how to adjust to redshirt sophomore quarterback Jalan McClendon and redshirt freshman signal caller Jakobi Meyers was another priority this spring.

“Jalan has done a lot of good this spring, and has come a long way, especially as a leader and a quarterback,” Cook said. “He was out here all winter working on his craft, throwing balls with us. We are starting to get a good connection with him.”

Meyers is from Lithonia, Ga., so Cook automatically knows he’s a pretty good quarterback.

“Georgia players, that is where it is at — Georgia High School football,” Cook said. “I love playing with either one of them.”

Read more about NC State’s practices in The Wolfpacker’s spring football headquarters