The Illinois football program was busy over the past week trying to build the team for the future.
The defense has been a serious focus for the Orange and Blue on the recruiting trail as of late, as it should be. The Illini defense is one of the weak points on the team, and we need to get players into the program who can fix the problem. One of those players could be Keith Cooper.
Cooper is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound weak-side defensive end from Dickinson High School in Dickinson, Texas. He isn’t rated or ranked by the recruiting sites, and it looks like Illinois is the first DI scholarship Cooper has received so far during his recruitment.
There are a couple of things I want to add to the Illinois football team on the defensive side of the ball. One of the additions needs to be length. Cooper would help with that problem. I am not sure what his wingspan measures, but this kid is coming in and has the ability to tip passes and be a menace to quarterbacks. He can also use his length to navigate around the blocker.
Extremely excited and blessed to say I just received my first offer from The University of Illinois,I want to give a big thanks to @CoachJP3 @UICoachClark @LovieSmith and the rest of the recruitment team @IlliniFootball #Illini 🔵🔶🔵 pic.twitter.com/p8jKhuocrt
— Keith Cooper Jr🕹‼️ (@KeithCooperjr) October 8, 2019
The other element I want to add to the Illinois defense is speed. I believe Cooper brings a lot of speed to the table. I was a bit surprised when I saw how fast this kid was on the field. He can use his arms to get around the offensive player, and then he can use his speed to close in on the ball carrier before they can get downfield.
Overall, I am impressed with what Cooper can do on the field. I am shocked that Illinois was his first scholarship offer. But, I assume, more will be coming shortly. This kid has the ability to shine on the field, and I want him playing for the Illini.