Name: Tarik Cooper
School: Texas Southern University
Position: LB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 240
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
A major goal that I set for this season was to have the guys around me to rally together and have a sound physical defense as a whole. Personal accomplishments are good but I believe that wining games are more important and that’s what we did this season.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would tell you that I am very aware at all time of the things going on around me on and off the field. A great leader by actions and verbally when needed. My understanding week to week of each game plan made it like having a coach on the field.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When watching film I always start off by looking at back field sets. Understanding the formation can help you anticipate what plays are about to happen. Most offenses use motions as eye candy to move to a basic formation which the run the same few plays from.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
The thing that separates me from other prospects is that I’ve shown that I can be a change in a program culture. I’ve always done everything asked of me and more. I am also a great teammate on and off the field. Defense goes beyond knowing your play book and I’m always seeking new information!
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My plan is what it has always been work hard everyday contain a strict diet and get my numbers ready for the upcoming pro day. Hard work will take you a long way.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My time at Texas Southern University I’ve shown to be a great student of the game. I’m always asking questions and making plays. Your teammates see that and it gets contagious. Making the team as a whole leave a culture for those to come.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I am a hungry Linebacker who is good at stopping the run and getting off the field on third down. I come up big when plays need to be made and most importantly I do my assignment. My understanding of the game is great yet I’m always looking for more information to help myself while playing and others when I pursue my dreams of being a coach one day. I am also interested in playin on all special teams which is the most important part of the game.