2018 Early Signing Period Signee Profile: TE Gary Cooper
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Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
Gary Cooper, 6’1”, 217 pounds, Miami, FL (Columbus), TE, 247Sports Composite Ranking: 3-star (84.60)
Gary Cooper is only a 3-star prospect. His composite ranking is 84.60 on 247sports.com and he seems like just another cog to the tight end position. At first glance, you wouldn’t think much of his addition to this class. Watch his highlight tape and think about things again. This is a bold statement but, if Gary Cooper were 6’4” instead of 6’1”, he would be a potential 5-star recruit and every school in the country would have been after him. He is that skilled. We all know the saying about “ifs and buts” and his height is something to consider. However, he has physical tools that are very exciting and if used properly, Gary Cooper should have a wonderful career in Bloomington.
Another player from the state of Florida, Cooper comes to Indiana from Columbus High School in Miami. Cooper had offers from schools like Oklahoma, Boston College, Florida and Michigan but he loved the attention the Indiana coaches showed him early and the confidence they gave him that he would be effectively utilized as an offensive weapon. He does not possess blazing speed but for a thick frame, Cooper moves well and has excellent hands. Another thing that jumps out is his athleticism and vision when the ball gets into his possession. IU brings back Peyton Hendershot as well as Ryan Watercutter, Matt Bjorson and T.J. Ivy at the tight end position. Cooper is a bit of a unique piece but he’s technically being called a tight end so we’ll put him with that group. It’s a deep unit but the way Cooper could be moved around might make him a player that plays more than four games right away. If nothing else, his addition gives IU’s attack one more weapon to deploy and make defenses work. It will be up to the offensive staff to make that an advantage that equates to winning.