Brady Cook has hit new heights. That, by the way, is in both the literal and figurative sense.

First, he’s breathing new air when it comes to public perception.

“I think it's much different. Obviously, I think the fact of the matter is, you know, I have a lot more, whether you want to call it respect or love, toward my name,” the Missouri football quarterback said. “Whether it's Mizzou fans or fans from St Louis, and that's great. It's great.”

But he’s actually been sky-high, too.

Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz has noticed some not-so-subtle differences between Cook’s 2023 and 2024 fall camps. So much so, that he just couldn’t help but bring up the chopper.

Twice.

“Brady (Cook)'s always been a leader, and I think there's so much respect for him in that room because people have seen him be consistent, (whether results were) good, bad or indifferent,” Drinkwitz said. “Although last year I didn't see anybody flying him around in a helicopter for NIL deals, so we'll see if that affects him any.”

Then, later: “You know, like I said earlier, I never saw him (Cook) on an off day get on a helicopter and fly around to do promotional speakings,” the head coach said. “So, you know, we're going to have to figure that out, see if that's a continual thing or not and make sure we keep the main thing (as) the main thing.”

Cook’s off-day helicopter ride was part of a name, image and likeness-spurred promotional speech — the kind of gig a 3,317-yard, 21-touchdown, five-interception season gets you.

The “main thing” is more closely related to the game we know and love. That’s Cook’s upcoming 2024 season, which begins for Mizzou against Murray State on Thursday in Columbia; a campaign that dangles the dream of a College Football Playoff berth after an 11-2, Cotton-Bowl-winning year.

But last year being last year was a theme of Tuesday’s Mizzou media availability, where the Tigers rolled out Cook and the team’s other four team-elected captains to preview the fast-approaching 2024 season, which begins with Murray State on Thursday on Faurot Field.

Drinkwitz poured cold water on any perceived Mizzou fever until the Tigers sell out their home opener against Murray State. He emphasized caution around listening to external expectations, rather than opting for the team to meet set internal standards. Preseason accolades? “Speculation,” in Drinkwitz’s terms.

More: Here’s why Eli Drinkwitz said Missouri football fans 'need to sell out' Tigers’ opener

So, in that vein, how can Cook help the “main thing” be the real deal?

In short, more of what he’s been doing.

Helicopter rides, statewide stardom and all, Drinkwitz was complimentary of Cook’s progression in camp.

“I think his accuracy this fall camp has been really good. His consistency in decision-making — I think the first two days, we had some red-zone turnovers that he made that were part of maturing, and he really hasn't made those decisions moving forward,” Drinkwitz said. “I don't think he turned the ball over in either one of the scrimmages, including in the two-minute drives where you have to try to score, and so that's been a good theme moving forward.”

Cook echoed that. He said he feels like he’s improved his deep ball and ability to find the team’s long list of offensive playmakers. If that translates to live games and he takes another step forward, he could help see Mizzou into a meaningful December matchup.

As good as Cook’s 2023 season was, a step forward might be necessary for a meaningful December matchup.

Missouri, as it stands at this point in preseason, sets up to be favored in a minimum of nine — and probably 10 — of its 12 regular-season games. Run that slate, and they would be in the conversation for a playoff berth, but 10 wins may not quite be enough depending on how other conferences championships and records shake out.

Knock off Oklahoma at home and either Texas A&M or Alabama on the road to get to 11? No conversation necessary.

That’s Cook’s next hurdle.

An untimely interception in the fourth quarter at Georgia down one score at midfield ended a chance to knock off No. 1 and all but book a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Against LSU, two picks in a shootout ended a chance to start 6-0.

More: Projecting Missouri football's first offensive depth chart of 2024

If that’s a lot to put on one player's shoulders, it does not appear to be outwardly fazing Cook. This has long, in the words of his head coach, been his team. Cook said Tuesday that the responsibility and leadership associated with playing quarterback are why he’s stuck with the position since he was in the first grade. It’s why he’s not been ousted since first winning the job.

There’s a reason he’s getting helicopter rides.

But he’s still cognizant of that “main thing” that got him here.

“(The notoriety is) a part of coming off a great season, but just as quickly, you know, that could turn,” Cook said. “So, I think it comes with a position, good or bad, and I take it day by day and enjoy it when I can.”

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Missouri football: How QB Brady Cook can take another leap in 2024