Former UNLV punter latches on with Raiders

Friday, May 20, 2005 | 10:25 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

Former four-year starting UNLV punter Gary Cook recently signed a free-agent contract with the Oakland Raiders, which brings to five the number of 2004 Rebels who have joined NFL teams.

Cook, who was one of only 10 semifinalists for the prestigious Ray Guy Award last season, left UNLV with a career average of 40.7 yards per attempt. The native of Truckee, Calif., punted more times (281) for more yards (11,430) than anyone in Mountain West Conference history. Also the Rebels' holder on kicks, Cook placed an impressive 28 percent of his career boots inside opponents' 20-yard line.

Two of Cook's former teammates, standout linebackers Adam Seward (Carolina Panthers) and Ryan Claridge (New England Patriots) were drafted in the fifth round of April's NFL Draft. Also, two-time All-American Jamaal Brimmer signed with the Seattle Seahawks while UNLV all-time receiving yards leader Earvin Johnson joined the Tennessee Titans.

Saban acknowledged holding recent discussions with Williams, whose sudden retirement stunned the Dolphins shortly before training camp began last season. He would not divulge specifics of the talks, but has long said that he was open to the prospect of Williams returning.

Williams rushed for 3,225 yards and 25 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Dolphins.

"Ricky still seems to be very, very interested in coming back," Saban said. "As I've said before, the things that we discuss, we've decided not to talk about publicly. I think that I can safely say that you all know about his situation as I do."

Johnson joined the Eagles in January 1999 and has since led one of the top defense's in the league.

"As I've said many times, Jim Johnson is the best in the business at what he does," head coach Andy Reid said. "His defensive units continue to produce at a very high level as he puts a lot of pressure on opposing offenses. Jim is a valuable member of the Eagles organization and we're happy to keep him here for the next several years."

In 2001, Johnson's defense became the fourth in NFL history to go 16 games without allowing more than 21 points. Their streak of allowing 21 or fewer points in 34 straight games was second-longest in NFL history.