I think because of his location that he recruits is why he is able to get more guys. His guys are coming from Wisconsin/Mich/Ill area. Whoever is recruiting guys from Texas and the southeast have a much more difficult time getting kids to Ames.
I think people need to remember that Cooke had the same operation as NAZ did and Cooke is playing this year... He could be going through the same pain as Naz but doesn't have a redshirt year to sit out. Hopefully both come back 100% next year.