IUFB Class of '21 Signing Day Profile: Cooper Jones

Written by Nathan Comp

Name: Cooper Jones

Position: Defensive End

Hometown: Valparaiso, IN

High School: Valparaiso High School

247Sports Composite Ranking: 0.8796, 462nd  Nationally, 7th In Indiana

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 245 Pounds

The third-highest recruit and top 3-star of Indiana’s signing class is Cooper Jones, a defensive end prospect out of Valparaiso. In his senior season, Jones helped lead Valpo to their third consecutive 5A regional title before losing their first game of the season in the semi-state game against Zionsville. In an adjusted eight-game COVID season, Jones tallied 80 tackles, 12.5 which were for a loss, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two passes defensed, and one blocked punt. He also played receiver for his team and caught one touchdown pass in a sectional victory. Jones was awarded a 2020 Mr. Football position award by the Indiana Football Coaches Association.

"I just think it's an honor, and I appreciate it," said Jones. "It's nice to see my hard work pay off for me and to be able to look back and see that I was recognized for this. It's a credit to everyone who helped me get here."

Jones committed to Indiana in April of 2020, selecting the Hoosiers over offers from Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa, Purdue, and Central Michigan. He will not be enrolling early as he has plans to play his senior season of high school basketball, where he averaged 9.4 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game last year in a season that was cancelled days after they had won a sectional title.

Jones is excited to join Indiana afterwards, telling Matt Weaver of Peegs: “there are two big reasons why I chose Indiana. The first one is how amazing Coach Allen is and how great everything he preaches is. The culture he has created there is one I want to be a part of. The other reason is Coach Wellman, the new strength coach.”

Jones is a tremendous athlete that should make a quick impact along the defensive line for the Hoosiers.