Osborne is headed into its eighth game of the season when it takes on Riverwood tonight, but running back Robert Cooks may have another number in mind.

Cooks is quickly — and quietly — coming up on the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season. The mark is no small feat considering the Cardinals (1-6, 0-2) have struggled to score points this year, and Cooks has been opposing defenses biggest target.

Cooks, a senior, who transferred from Campbell where he spent his sophomore and junior years, has run for 729 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s the best running back we have,” coach Xarvia Smith said “He has good vision and done a great job thus far.”

As the leading rusher in every game, the 5-foot-8, 190-pound Cooks is averaging 4.3 yards a carry, and he is responsible for 67 percent of the Cardinals’ 1,088 yards on the ground.

During the Cardinals 20-0 victory over Cambridge last month, Cooks had the best game of his season and high school career with 233 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown.

“I have the yards, but I have to give credit to my offensive line,” Cooks said. “They helped me a lot. I can’t get the yards without them.”

Smith described Cooks as quiet, reserved and non-vocal, preffering to lead by example.

“I don’t talk much on the field,” Cooks said. “During games and practices I’m focused and I don’t like to play around.”.

With this being his last season in high school, Cooks is looking towards playing at the collegiate level.

Thus far Cooks has only visited Clark Atlanta, but he said he enjoyed his time there and that they focus on education first, but he would like to visit more schools before graduation.

“I would like to visit any SEC school. I would like to showcase my talent in the SEC,” Cooks said.

Smith began sending off film of Cooks last week. With no current offers, Smith believes they will start rolling in once Cooks breaks the 1,000 yard mark.

“I know I can get 1,000,” Cooks said. “but I can’t do it without my o-line.”