Montclair Prep’s Cook Chooses LSU Over USC to Pursue Baseball Interests

Keyaan Cook, the Southern Section 1-A Division Player of the Year, has made an oral commitment to play baseball at Louisiana State. The Montclair Prep shortstop said Wednesday that he will sign a letter of intent with the Southeast Conference school within a week.

Cook chose the Tigers over USC, which had suggested that Cook switch to catcher, a move that he opposed. At LSU, he will play third base, his natural position, he said.

“I haven’t been a catcher since Little League, so I didn’t really want to do that,” he said. “There’s a spot open for me next year at third base and I can DH too.”

LSU’s strong baseball tradition also influenced Cook. The Tigers have advanced to the College World Series four times in the past six years. But the school’s proximity to New Orleans, where Cook’s brother plays for the Saints of the National Football League, might have been the most persuasive selling point.

“Baton Rouge is about 45 minutes from New Orleans so I can see my brother play,” Keyaan said.

Toi Cook starred in football and baseball at Montclair Prep and played both sports at Stanford.

Keyaan Cook led Montclair Prep to the 1-A title this year and was selected to The Times’ All-Valley team.

He batted .537 with 11 doubles, five home runs, 36 runs batted in and 14 stolen bases.