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It became quite apparent that after James Franklin departed Happy Valley that the next head coach would have to build the Penn State Nittany Lions back up through whatever way possible. That is why Matt Campbell, upon his being hired, immediately went to the transfer portal to rebuild the roster. All in all, by raiding his former school, Campbell brought in one of the nation's best portal classes. While it is filled with star studded talent, one of the unsung heroes of the class could be someone who was unheralded beforehand.
According to an article from AtoZSports' Ryan Roberts, Penn State's most critical addition through the portal was not an offensive star like Rocco Becht or James Peoples. Not even a stellar linebacker like Caleb Bacon or Kooper Ebel. That honor goes to former Iowa State DB Jeremiah Cooper. Whole Cooper started out his career as three star recruit, ranked 257th overall in his portal class, he rose his level as Iowa State recruits generally do to become one of the most versatile defensive backs in the college game today.
Before even becoming such a versatile whom Campbell came to covet, he was one of the worst prospects at the corner position in his recruiting. He was ranked 857th nationally and 68th amongst safeties. While he had some decent offers, such as Texas Tech, Colorado, and SMU, deciding to go to Iowa State could have been the best decision he ever made.
Matt Campbell is know for getting the most out of his players and Cooper turned out to be no different. Despite the fact that Campbell had him playing everywhere from nickel to slot corner went to show he wasn't afraid to utilize Cooper in many different ways outside of his comfort zone. It paid off big time.
Over four seasons in Ames, Cooper compiled some incredible stats. He had 134 total tackles, eight interceptions, 22 pass breakups, and 4.5 tackles for loss, proving his mettle. Now with the Nittany Lions and reunited with coach Campbell, Cooper could look to continue his under-the-radar style of play.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Underrated portal addition could be Penn State's hidden gem
Continue reading...
According to an article from AtoZSports' Ryan Roberts, Penn State's most critical addition through the portal was not an offensive star like Rocco Becht or James Peoples. Not even a stellar linebacker like Caleb Bacon or Kooper Ebel. That honor goes to former Iowa State DB Jeremiah Cooper. Whole Cooper started out his career as three star recruit, ranked 257th overall in his portal class, he rose his level as Iowa State recruits generally do to become one of the most versatile defensive backs in the college game today.
Before even becoming such a versatile whom Campbell came to covet, he was one of the worst prospects at the corner position in his recruiting. He was ranked 857th nationally and 68th amongst safeties. While he had some decent offers, such as Texas Tech, Colorado, and SMU, deciding to go to Iowa State could have been the best decision he ever made.
Matt Campbell is know for getting the most out of his players and Cooper turned out to be no different. Despite the fact that Campbell had him playing everywhere from nickel to slot corner went to show he wasn't afraid to utilize Cooper in many different ways outside of his comfort zone. It paid off big time.
Over four seasons in Ames, Cooper compiled some incredible stats. He had 134 total tackles, eight interceptions, 22 pass breakups, and 4.5 tackles for loss, proving his mettle. Now with the Nittany Lions and reunited with coach Campbell, Cooper could look to continue his under-the-radar style of play.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Underrated portal addition could be Penn State's hidden gem
Continue reading...
