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The long time Penn State lean finally pulls the trigger.
Jake Cooper, ladies and gentlemen!
Stats:
Home/HS: Warminster, PA/Archbishop Wood
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 230
Recruited By: Bob Shoop
Starz 'n Sheetz:
Stars: 3* 247Sports, Rivals, Scout, ESPN
Offer Sheet: Boston College, Duke, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple
Cinema:
Also check out Jake's Hudl, here.
The Tale: Watch me embed my own tweet.
Jake Cooper (PA LB) has committed to Penn State.
— Nick Polak (@TheREALNPolak) February 24, 2014
Jake Cooper has been on Penn State's radar since camping in State College back in June. He caught the eye of Bill O'Brien and Ron Vanderlinden, although he did not earn an offer at that time. I spoke with him shortly after that camp, and he was very excited about the entire experience. Ever since then, he has expressed to me multiple times how badly he wanted an offer from Penn State. Once the new staff took over in Happy Valley, Jake heard from them immediately, and his interest remained sky high. He finally earned his Penn State offer on National Signing Day among the chaos of the finalization of the 2014 class. He told me that day that he was doing front flips around his house (I assume he meant figuratively, but he's a great athlete so who knows).
Jake was not able to make it up to State College for Junior Day but he was able to visit that Monday instead. He told me beforehand that he was not planning on pulling the trigger that Monday, and true to his word he did not. He visited Penn State again today, and decided that he couldn't hold back any longer. I predicted Jake to Penn State in the summer after I first spoke to him on the phone. It was very clear how strongly he felt about Penn State, even that far away from his commitment.
Jake texted me a few minutes ago to confirm the commitment.
Outlook: In Jake Cooper, Penn State is picking up an intelligent and opportunistic linebacker who knows how to hit. To quote myself from my 2015 Primer, "Jake is highly instinctive linebacker who hits like a truck. He has good game speed and has the ability to get to the ballcarrier and make a play. He also shows potential to play fullback at the next level." Jake was one of the key cogs in the defense for the state championship Archbishop Wood squad that took down Andre Robinson's Bishop Mcdevitt.
Cooper certainly looks the part of a quintessential Linebacker U product. He has solid skills all across the board, and will likely make an impact on special teams before cracking the starting linebacker rotation. That shouldn't take long however, as his instincts and ability to find holes in the offensive line will make him a very stout run defender in the future. Jake may be blocked early on at Penn State by the likes of Troy Reeder, but should be able to force his name into the conversation for playing time before too long.
To add a personal note, I am overjoyed that Jake has committed to Penn State. He is one of the recruits who has been the most fun to talk to, and most accessible as well. Jake has a Penn State heart through and through, and will be a valuable addition not only to the football program, but to the school community as well. You can follow Jake on twitter at @WelcomeToMyCoop.
Cooper's commitment brings the class to five.
Welcome to Penn State, Jake!
