Name: Robert Cooper
School: Florida State University
Position: DT
Height: 6-3
Weight: 312
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals that I had set to accomplish last season was becoming a team captain, finishing the season as one of the top defenses in the NCAA, becoming more effective in my pass rush that came with getting more in condition. I also wanted to help the younger and other guys in my position grow and learn. Lastly, I wanted to leave FSU better than I came in while leading the defense on and off the field and setting a standard of what it means to play Defensive Line at Florida State.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My teammates and coaches would describe me as a person who made the best out of every opportunity, a player who wanted to get better everyday and also wanted everybody around him to succeed in every aspect. They would say that I always came prepared whether it was meetings, practices, workouts, etc. They would say that I’m a real humble player but I critique myself real hard because I want to be the best at what I do. Coaches could mainly say that I never complained, very coachable, a player who could listen and then apply it. A great leader and worker.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When it comes to breaking down film on myself, I’m very critical because I have the best Defensive Line coach, who teaches us the in’s and out’s of the DT role and responsibilities on the DL. I focus on the little things while watching film from the start to the end. This goes into my stance, first and second step, hand placement, violence in my steps, hands and feet. I’m also looking at the efficiency in my movements like looking for any false steps or wasted motions. I’m looking at the effort, hand quickness (ground to man), hand violence, violence in the disengage and my reaction and destruction of different type of blocks.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I don’t try to be like anyone else but Robert Cooper, I don’t compare myself to others. I am always finding ways to help me become the best to play this position. I embrace who I am and what I do best and always working to be the best at what I do. I am a consistent person when it comes to that. I always stay positive and bring a positive, supportive and competitive attitude everyday.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
The main priority is rehabbing my shoulder back to 102% which the training staff at Florida State while continuing to build strength, stay in shape and practice to perfect my craft at the DT position.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field: being able to destruct the A and B gaps while pushing and collapsing the pocket up the middle so there’s no room for QB to step up. Relentless effort and disruptive for offenses to run efficiently. Demanding a double team to help free up my linebackers and create some one on ones along the line of scrimmage and Having the strength and technique to hold and defeat DBL teams.
Off the field: I’m willing to learn and apply, Willing to help the next man and the people around game learn and grow. Dependable and trustworthy to make the right decisions. Accountable and consistently working to be the best, my best.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
You will be getting a player who is always striving to be his best, no matter what it takes. You will be getting a player who is always ready to learn more, apply it and grow everyday. A player who wants to be remembered as one of the best at the DT position and a positive influence on the people around him and more. I’m hungry to be the best Robert Cooper ever, no matter what it takes.