Welcome back to our countdown of the 17 most valuable Arizona Wildcats of 2017.
Before we go any further, some disclaimers:
“Most valuable” does not necessarily mean “best.” Rather, we’re defining it as the contributions and traits that most influence winning football. They include talent, leadership and projected role and production.
Newcomers were not eligible for the list. Although many might become major contributors this year, especially on defense, their roles are just too difficult to predict in June.
NO. 13: S TRISTAN COOPER
Ht/Wt/Yr: 6-1, 180, sophomore
Comment: When asked during spring practice what he was focusing on during the offseason, Cooper rattled off a lengthy inventory. The items on his to-do list included improving in man coverage, “triggering” faster, being less timid, cleaning up his technique and keeping his head up when he tackles.
That’s a lot, and it almost makes it seem as if Cooper was an ineffective player last season, his first at the UA. He was not. Appearing in 11 games at the “Spur” safety position, including five starts, Cooper accumulate 35 tackles, a sack, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Not bad for a relatively unheralded freshman from the one part of Texas – El Paso – that isn’t known for football.
What Cooper’s offseason agenda illustrates is that he has plenty of room for improvement and already is mature enough to acknowledge that fact. Cooper’s makeup and upside firmly position him among the top 17 MVP candidates for the 2017 Wildcats.
Cooper is the favorite to start at Spur, joining fellow sophomore Isaiah Hayes and junior Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles in what has the makings of a strong safety group. Cooper will be bigger in 2017 after playing at around 180 pounds as a freshman. He’ll also be wiser.
“At first I was just a robot,” Cooper said. “I just knew my plays. I didn’t know anybody else’s, their jobs. Knowing everybody’s position, where they’re going to (be), it helps.”
Despite his claims of timidity as a freshman – “uncertainty” or “hesitancy” might be better terms – Cooper established a physical presence last year. He and Hayes play without fear. Now it’s a matter of using that aggression for good.
Cooper needs to make more impact plays, and he certainly seems capable of it. Look for defensive coordinator Marcel Yates – who liked Cooper’s game from the get-go – to set him up for success. Yates is coaching the cornerbacks and Spurs this season, and Cooper believes that’ll make him more adept in coverage. His eyes, hips and feet improved in just 15 spring practices.
But if he’s going to make his mark – and achieve his potential value – Cooper must do most of his damage in the box. He’s a powerful hitter … when he makes contact. An additional year of experience should boost Cooper’s batting average. His profile will rise accordingly.
THE 17 MOST VALUABLE WILDCATS OF 2017
No. 17: TE Trevor Wood
No. 16: CB Dane Cruikshank
No. 15: RB Nick Wilson
No. 14: DL Parker Zellers
