Name: Christopher Cooper
School: Stony Brook University
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 200
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
Some of my goals heading into my final collegiate season were to stay healthy, know my opponent’s every move week in and week out, help anyone on the defense to understand our playbook so we can all be successful, and make All-Conference.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Smart, physical, and fearless.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
To prepare for the offseason, I am working on the little things such as mobility, recovery, and extra film study. Also continue to get stronger, faster, more explosive.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
When I’m studying film, I like to find out the offense’s tendencies. What plays they run out of certain formations and their blocking schemes to see what potential gaps I could have. Also, the strengthens and weaknesses of the QB and WRs.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
The things that separate me from other players at my position are that I can tackle pretty good, I give 100% effort until the play is done and I have good range as a middle of the field player.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strength and abilities that I can bring to a team is that I treat practice like it’s a game and could possibly be my last time playing. Very attentive to what’s being taught, I’m not afraid to ask questions, whether it’s from coach’s or veterans. I’m willing to contribute to a team, whether if it’s special teams or defense. Off the field, I will stay out of trouble and willing to give back to the community.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I’ve been through a series of obstacles to get where I am today and I proved myself time and time again that I’m not a quitter. I’ve sat out a year after high school recovering from a broken leg from a freak work accident. Then, getting a second chance to play for a JUCO team (which was the true test if I wanted to continue to play football), that year and a half wasn’t easy AT ALL. Then, getting a chance to play at Stony Brook in a conference with great competition. Until I’m done playing, I will continue to be humble, hungry, driven, and willing to learn whatever is needed to make myself and the team better!