Dec 17, 2014 11:57 AM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Still two weeks away from playing in the Cotton Bowl, Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook knows what he will be doing next season: playing in a Spartans uniform.

According to MLive.com, Cook made his announcement at a news conference in East Lansing for the team's bowl game when directly asked if he made up his mind about whether or not he would declare for the NFL.

"Yeah, I've sat down, I've talked to my family, the main goal is obviously to come back,'' Cook told reporters at Spartan Stadium. "I talked amongst them, I've talk amongst my friends, with the coaches. I have unfinished business I want to do and I want to accomplish next year, and I think the only way I can do that is if I return.''

Cook has good size for an NFL QB prospect and is coming his second straight season of good production in a pro-style offense amidst a Power Conference. Still, he showed little improvement from his sophomore season and may get lost in a QB class that figures to feature Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, Bryce Petty and Brett Hundley.

"We weren't really going to say anything, but we've talked about it, and unless something nutty happens he's coming back,'' Connor's father Chris told MLive.com. "I think everyone feels better with him having another year. When you've had three years as a starting quarterback, there's a tendency to have more success at the next level. It just makes sense, the more games you've played, the more defenses you've seen, the more experience you have."

Cook and the Spartans are scheduled to play Baylor on New Year's Day for the Cotton Bowl, but with Cook under center next season, the Spartans could go farther. Cook would definitely be drafted right now, ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper opined, but he has the opportunity to refine his game and secure a high pick next year.

"I think my running ability, obviously, I can be more of a threat running on third down,'' Cook told MLive.com. "If I drop back and guys are covered, I can scramble and get some yards. Not trying to be a dual threat quarterback by any means, but I can get 4 or 5 yards and be more of a threat with my feet."

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