Interview: 3-Star 2021 DE Tyvoris Cooper is Unrelenting Against Mississippi Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every successful football team needs a talent like Tyvoris Cooper on the field. Cooper was ever present on the field for Louisville High School during the 2019 season aiding his team in an 11-3 run. The intimidating defensive end earned District Defensive Line MVP and second team All-State honors as a junior after racking up 63 stops with 21 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, jarred the ball loose, and snagged one out of the air. In addition to his post-season honors, the 6-4, 230-pound, enforcer has earned three-star recruiting status with six offers extended so far.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Mississippi’s top 2021 defensive play-makers for an inside look at his play on the field and rising success along the recruiting trail.
Interview
Ty, you took the right side of the Wildcats’ defensive front going up against the other team’s top lineman more times than not. How did that week-in and week-out challenge help push your game forward to another level?
“It helped me become a better player making sure I was doing the little things like coming out hard, attacking the shoulder, and keeping the edge.”
Seeing all those talented tackles had to present some challenges. What was one challenge or style of play you faced that gave you trouble, and how did that adversity help make you better?
“Facing double-teams was the biggest challenge I faced. Facing that in practice made me a better player. I kept fighting through it and keep pushing.”
Which areas of your game improved the most last season taking on all that top competition?
“My get off and pursuit.”
On passing downs, do you have any favorite moves?
“I like the swim and dip and rip.”
Which moves are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on the bull-rush and my spin move.”
Where all might we see you on the field in 2020?
“This season I am playing defensive end, defensive tackle, nose-guar, and H-back. I am playing a little bit of everything this season.”
What are you working on this offseason to prepare for all of those roles?
“I am working on my explosiveness, my get off and my open-field tackling.”
Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Baylor, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Tulane, Louisiana-Lafayette, and LSU.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Six.”
Cooper’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, South Alabama, Southern Miss, and Tennessee
Have you started taking visits?
“Yes. I have taken a visit to Memphis.”
How did the Memphis visit go?
“It was great. They showed a lot of love. They made me feel like it was home.”
Nice. Are there any planned trips upcoming?
“Yes, sir. I have trips planned to LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and back to Memphis.”
Are you competing at any camps this offseason?
“This offseason I am competing at an Under Armour camp in March and a Rivals camp in March.”
Given your overall athletic talents, are you competing in any other sports for Louisville High School?
“Basketball, baseball, and track.”
How is the basketball season going?
“We are in the second round of the playoffs; we are doing well.”
Awesome. How is the season going for you personally?
“Pretty good. I just received All-District honors.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
You mentioned track, which events will you compete in when that gets going for you?
“The 4×400.”
Ty, it was a lot of fun getting the interview in with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with all that you have going this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Cooper family; Tyvoris Cooper at Memphis