Texas A&M pound Cooper declares for NFL draft

Dave Wilson, ESPN Staff WriterDec 12, 2023, 01:40 PM ET

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Dave Wilson is an editor for ESPN.com considering that 2010. He previously worked at The Dallas Early Morning News, San Diego Union-Tribune and Las Vegas Sun.Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, an AP first-team All-American, revealed Tuesday he will be stating for the NFL draft and opting out of the TaxAct Texas Bowl.Cooper, a 6-3, 230-pound junior from Covington, Louisiana, has played in 45 games for the Aggies, including a breakout season this year in which he had 83 tackles and led the SEC with 17 takes on for loss and included 8 sacks. Cooper had one of his greatest games of the season versus Alabama, with 11 tackles, 3 sacks and a forced fumble.He’s currently the No. 1 off-ball linebacker in ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest rankings.”Like many in my position, my goal has always been to achieve the professional level of football,”Cooper stated in a statement.” I have actually spent much of my college profession refining my craft and improving myself in every method possible to be gotten ready for the opportunity to perform in the NFL. While I always have room to grow, I feel ready to enter this next season of life. “