Stock Rising

It's not everyday you find a player with the size and speed of Cedrick Cooper. After attending several camps over the summer, college coaches are making their pitch to land the talented Georgia linebacker.

"Recruiting is going good," stated Cedrick Cooper. "I've had a good summer and I plan to go back to Ole Miss and Clemson soon."

What camps did Cooper attend this summer?

"I went to camps at Ole Miss, Tennessee and Georgia. I felt like I did well at each of the camps. I think I performed best at Ole Miss. I ran a 4.5 flat."

Cooper's numbers at the Ole Miss camp were outstanding. He measured in at 6'2 203. He ran a 4.5 flat on all three attempts. Cooper's shuttle was recorded at 4.22 His vertical was measured at 34 inches and he finished with a 10' broad jump. These numbers scream out to college coaches. As expected, the offers have rolled in.

"I have offers from South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Clemson, Kentucky, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State."

There are several variables that can play a part in a college prospect making a decision. The talented Georgia prep star was impressed with the campuses and coaching staffs of several schools.

"Clemson and Tennessee have great campuses. Tennessee is remodeling their weight room. It's going to be really nice. Ole Miss also has a great campus. Their indoor practice facility is very nice. I've also enjoyed meeting several coaches. Coach Ward (South Carolina), Coach Price (Ole Miss), Coach Wilcox (Tennessee) and Coach Rumph (Clemson) are all very down to earth. They don't try and put on a show. They act the same all the time and that's what I want."

It's not surprise that three of those schools are recruiting Cooper with more intensity.

"I think Ole Miss, Clemson and Tennessee are the most active in my recruitment. They're giving that extra push."

Scout.com's #37 OLB admits he's in no rush to make a decision.

"Everyone is even. I'm going to wait until after my season to make a decision. I need to do research on all of these schools and take my visits. I need to continue to build relationships with these coaches."

Cooper is focused on one thing for 2010. He's ready to lead his team to the Georgia state playoffs.

"I want our team to make a run at the playoffs. I know for that to happen we all have to be on the same page. I think we are. We're hungry and ready for the season. Usually just your seniors are focused but everyone is focused this year. I want to focus on the mental part of the game. I want to make my reads and recognize formations instantly. Before the ball is snapped, I want to know what's going to happen. I want to tackle people using my legs more. That will help me be more physical. This will make my team better and it's part of my goals for 2010. We've got to keep the will to play hard in order to be successful."

Cooper is a big time college prospect. He's a big hitter with very good speed. He can be used on the edge or in the middle of a defense. Cooper will need to improve his pass coverage but proper technique should yield success in that area. His instincts and work ethic make him one of the better LB prospects I've seen in the Southeast.

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