Tomorrow’s All-American – Crimson Tide Recruiting
When Alabama signed heralded WR Julio Jones in the 2008 class, it would prove to be one of the best receiver signings in Alabama history. Julio gave Crimson Tide fans three years of amazing catches, unrivaled toughness and game-changing plays. With the Tide in the middle of the 2011 season and Julio immersed in his NFL career, many Bama fans are wondering about the future at the receiver position. While there will never be another Julio Jones, the Crimson Tide continues the search for the best of the best on the recruiting trail.
Amari Cooper is a senior WR from Miami Northwestern High School. He committed to the Crimson Tide on Sept. 22 during an interview on ESPNU. Cooper chose the Tide over an impressive list of schools; Miami, FSU, Florida, Ohio State and West Virginia among others, becoming Alabama’s 19th commitment in the 2012 class.Cooper is an extremely talented kid with unlimited potential, and is widely regarded as a four-star player by most scouting services. I believe he’s one of the best WR prospects in the 2012 class.
Amari didn’t get the attention and exposure of most of the other top recruits last year, due to injuries and a lack of playing time. He wasn’t getting the attention he deserved and he knew it, so he hit the summer camps and tournaments. He began to earn respect from the scouts, and word got around fast about the kid that was dominating opponents. Everyone wanted to see for themselves how this guy was going to perform against other recruits, including the Crimson Tide.
Reports swirled that Cooper was going to commit, first to Miami, then to FSU. Thankfully he waited until he attended Alabama’s camp to make up his mind. He went to Tuscaloosa and worked out for the coaches, competing against the best there. Amari showed up and showed out, earning high praise from the Tide coaches, and even from retired NFL star Cris Carter. After Coach Saban and staff saw him in action, they were left with no choice but to offer him a scholarship.
At 6’1″ 185 lbs, Cooper has good size for a receiver at the college level, and the body type to be a real force for the Tide. I have seen Cooper play three times this year, and he possesses everything necessary to be an elite college football player. Seeing Cooper play on Sunday some day would not be a stretch at all.
Amari has a good frame, capable of holding twenty more pounds without compromising agility or speed. He offers explosiveness off the line rarely seen at the high school level. Against press coverage, Cooper will win the battle every time with his ability to create separation immediately. He shows great vertical leaping ability and has elite ball skills, soft hands and long arms, and if the ball gets anywhere near him, he’ll catch it.
He’s a deceptively fast guy on the field and never looks to be struggling to adjust his speed; he’s very smooth in his movements. After watching him closely on the field there just aren’t many things at all he can’t do. Amari is a competitor above all else, and hates to lose. Tide fans will be more than pleased in the years to come with his attitude and how he carries himself off the field as much as for what he does on the field. He is quietly confident, not much of a trash talker, and always plays bigger than the other guy. I believe he has unlimited potential at receiver and that Alabama is the perfect fit.
Amari reminds me of two former players: Julio Jones and D.J. Hall. His attitude, work ethic and quiet demeanor are very similar to that of Julio. On the field he plays a lot like D.J. Hall. He may even have more natural ability, and will likely grow into a more physical player. Cooper was the third and final receiver to commit in the 2012 class, making this year’s group one of the best in school history.
When looking for a person and player to represent the University Of Alabama, Amari Cooper is a perfect fit. He’s a great kid from a strong, close-knit community that’s passionate about football, and even more supportive of the players. He also has a teammate that could be looking at a spot in the 2013 class, but that’s a story for another day.