Clemson commit QB Zerrick Cooper readies for senior campaign

Exclusive interview with Jonesboro, Georgia dual-threat star

 

An explosive sophomore campaign was enough to make 10 different colleges swoon over a rising stars’ skill set. A 7×7 summer football injury slowed the on the field maturation process in 2014 but college coaches have not backed off quarterback Zerrick Cooper.

Cooper is chalked full of natural instincts that coaches cannot teach. The 6’3”, 195 pound, gunslinger is calm in the pocket, has excellent pocket presence, and delivers a nice touch on his deep passes. Playing in a spread offense where the receivers find holes in the defense, Cooper’s anticipation of receivers coming open was really taking hold during the 2012 season making him an elite talent.

Getting extra experience in 7×7 tournaments, Cooper was setback with an ACL injury in the offseason forcing him to miss his entire 2014 Jonesboro High School season. Through the down times of recovering and rehabilitating his knee, the Georgia native never gave up vowing to come back better and stronger.

In an exclusive interview Zerrick Cooper talks about his recruitment, his injury, and getting ready for his senior season.

 

Zerrick, you exploded on the scene during your sophomore season as a dual-threat quarterback. Which schools are after you?

“I committed to Clemson but Kentucky, Miami, Ole Miss, Nebraska, N.C. State, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech have all offered me.”

What led you to verbally commit to Clemson?

“Coach Swinney, I really like the way they treat their players and Clemson’s academics. Their offense is explosive. I like watching Deshaun Watson play.”

Do you plan on taking official visits to other schools during your senior season?

“I’m hard with my commitment to Clemson but I don’t know yet if I will take my official visits or where I might go if I do.”

How is your ACL recovery coming along?

“I’m at about 70 percent. I started running last week and started jumping on Wednesday. I should be at 100 percent by the end of January or beginning of February.”

What type of exercises have you been doing to stay in shape?

“I’ve been working with dumbbells, lifting weights, and strengthening my arm throwing seated from a chair.”

Since you missed some critical on the field time to help with your growth as a quarterback do you plan on going to any college camps over the summer?

“I plan on going to some local camps and to Georgia’s, Clemson’s, and Virginia Tech’s camps.”

What are your strengths on the field as a quarterback?

“My strength is throwing the ball. I’m very accurate and I can make a tight throw on point.”

What have college coaches said about your game?

“They like that I am a pass-run threat, that I can make plays with my feet and that I have a very strong arm.”

Is their a NFL player you model your game after?

“I like watching Cam Newton and Peyton Manning. I like how Newton is able to stay in the pocket and the way he can escape the defense. I like the way he breaks down a defense. With Manning I like the way he’s a leader for the team.”

What do you like best about playing football?

“I love playing offense and showcasing my talents for the fans.”

Photo credit: volsnation.com; Zerrick Cooper