2023 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 78 Days (Cooper Jones)

Written by: Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The 2023 edition of the Hoosier Huddle Countdown is officially underway! We are counting down from 100 to the beginning of the 2023 Indiana University football season. Each day, we will look at one (or two) players on the current Indiana football roster and highlight the player’s role in the upcoming season. Today we look at defensive lineman turned offensive lineman Cooper Jones.

Name: Cooper Jones

Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana (Valparaiso)

Position: Defensive Line

Year: Redshirt Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6’6”/297 pounds

Social Media: Twitter (@cooperjones1150)

Cooper Jones came to IU as a highly regarded defensive lineman out of Valparaiso. at Valparaiso High School Jones was an Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) Top 50 all-state selection as a junior and senior. He also earned the 2019 and 2020 IFCA Mr. Football position award. He was his team’s most valuable player. Jones made 190 tackles, 28 for loss, 17.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, three blocked kicks, and two defensive touchdowns in his high school career.

Jones redshirted the 2021 season and did not see the field; however, he did win Scout Team Player of the Week twice. Last season, Jones played in seven games and made four tackles.

Jones was moved to the offensive side of the ball this spring to boost depth along the offensive line. Jones looked comfortable making the transition and if he continues to improve technique and learn the details of the position he can play his way into the rotation.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff rolls on with Day 77 tomorrow!