Army Bowl: Cooper shines on national stage
Future Buckeyes defensive end Jonathon Cooper continues to prove he's among the nation's best. We caught up with him in San Antonio (Texas) at the Army Bowl.
SAN ANTONIO - Ohio State defensive end commit Jonathon Cooper has excelled in many national events during his high school career so it's only fitting that he will wrap things up at the Army All-American Bowl this Saturday. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound prospect from Gahanna (Ohio) Lincoln has put together another solid performance during practice week.
"Everything is going pretty good," said Cooper. "There's a lot of talent out here. I'm just having a lot of fun."
There were some initial questions about whether or not Cooper would be able to take the field this week. The Rivals100 product injured his knee late in the season and has been working to get healthy.
"My knee is feeling good," he said. "It's been getting better. I did a lot of rehab, I still have my brace on but it's holding up really well."
Cooper and Buckeye wide receiver pledge Austin Mack have been among the more consistent performers this week for the East team. Mack has been catching everyone's attention, including that of his future teammate.
"Austin Mack is doing great," Cooper said. "He's been killing it at practice. I think he's going to do great at Ohio State."
Cooper has made several impressive plays of his own and his back-and-forth with fellow Ohioan Tommy Kraemer has been one of the week's best match-ups. Kraemer has been a firm commitment to Notre Dame for some time now, but Cooper has made sure to let him know there would still be a place for him at Ohio State.
"Me and Tommy are going at it every single day," he said. "It's great competition. I'm trying to get him to come to Ohio State. I'm trying to get him."
Whether Ohio State adds any more players from the East team remains to be seen, the Buckeyes are still pursuing defensive Jordan Fuller and wide receiver Binjimen Victor, but no fewer than five future Ohio State players will suit up for the East on Saturday. For Cooper, it's just another one of his goals that he can check off his list.
"I've been thinking about the All-American game since I was a little kid," he recalled. "I never expected that I would be one so going out there on Saturday is going to be something special. It will be something that I'll never forget, especially with my birthday being Friday. Birthday, Friday and game the next day."
Cooper added that his goals for the game are to lead the East to a win and to record multiple sacks.