Lawrence North's Cooper aims to shatter record books
- sidelineprepsports
- Jul 2, 2020
- 2 min read
Some players depend on their genetic talent to get them by. Others lean on their God-given talent. While some have to scratch, claw and work harder than anyone else. For Lawrence North wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., it truly is a combination of all three. Growing up in a sports house, where his mother was a standout basketball player at Michigan State, and dad the same at Louisiana Tech, Cooper definitely has the genes and God-given talent. However, he hasn’t let those things be the only things that help him produce results, as the rising junior has also worked extremely hard at his skill set both in football and basketball. “I grew up in a sports household. Mom and dad both went to college for sports, so we had to play sports. I’ve been playing basketball and football, but I enjoy how you can show your athleticism and all of the tricks you can learn playing receiver,” Cooper told Sideline Prep Sports Report. It wasn’t always receiver, though. Cooper was slated to play quarterback at the start of his sophomore year. However, Lawrence North brought back Donaven McCulley, a four star recruit with offers from the likes of Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan State and Missouri, prompting the coaching staff to move Cooper to receiver. The move paid dividends for Cooper, who reeled in 53 catches for 1,024 yards and 13 touchdowns as s sophomore. He admits he was surprised with the success. “I was very surprised because this was my first year playing receiver. At first, I was a quarterback and me switching – I didn’t think I was going to be as good as I was, but I knew I was going to be good because of all the hard work and dedication I put into trying to be what I am,” Cooper said. A season ago, the Wildcats went 4-7 and lost to Warren Central 34-7 in the second round of the sectional tournament. Cooper said his goal for the team this year is to see Lawrence North reach its maximum point and win state. “I feel like we have all the pieces to win it, so we should. I put a high standard on myself to push me to play harder for yards and touchdowns,” said Cooper, who told Sideline Prep Sports Report he is looking for 2,000 yards receiving and 20-plus touchdowns. Currently, Missouri, Michigan State and Notre Dame have expressed interest in the talented receiver, who admits he does not have a favorite at the moment. “Ever since I’ve been recruited, I haven’t had a favorite because I don’t want to go to a school just because it used to be my favorite. Also, I am looking at a school that fits me and would actually want me,” he said.
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