During today’s football media day at Michigan State University, the coveted starting quarterback position was still in question.After starting all 13 games last season, fifth-year senior Andrew Maxwell no longer appears to be a shoe-in this season after Connor Cook proved he is a strong candidate in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

“It’s a stressful environment because the job is open and everyone is coming in every single day trying to win the spot,” Cook said.Cook asserted himself as a leader during last year’s bowl game, but has been trying to improve his vocal leadership this season.

“I am trying to assert my own leadership in whatever huddle I’m in,” Cook said. “Out there on the field I’m trying to be the best leader I can be.”

Maxwell said he feels the pressure from Cook but it is a different pressure than he faced replacing Kirk Cousins going into last season.

“This year when you’re coming off a year of a lot of disappointments, and you throw in a quarterback competition, it definitely brings a different element to it,” Maxwell said. “I don’t think competition ever hurts you, I think it brings out the best in people.”

Both Cook and Maxwell established they want whatever is best for the team as the season begins with a night game on August 30 against Western Michigan University.

“At the end of the day we all have ‘Michigan State’ across our chest,” Maxwell said.

Jennifer Swanchara is the host of Bump, Set, Spike for Impact Sports.

 Photo: David Defever