One of the Arizona Wildcats’ most promising receivers is no longer part of the team’s plans.
Redshirt junior Devaughn Cooper, who averaged 20.4 yards per reception last season, is one of two players who are no longer on the roster because of violations of athletic department policy. UA also dismissed edge rusher My-King Johnson.
Cooper and redshirt senior Cedric Peterson were Arizona’s leading returning receivers at a position that lost its top three pass catchers from a year ago. Each had 18 receptions last season.
Cooper was expected to play a prominent role in the revamped receiving corps, possibly starting at slot receiver. He made the biggest play in Arizona’s April 13 spring game, hauling in an 83-yard touchdown pass from Khalil Tate.
Cooper, who’s listed at 5-10, 175 pounds, was plagued by injuries early in his UA career and at one point considered leaving the program. The Los Angeles product has excellent deep speed and a good rapport with Tate.
With Cooper off the team, Arizona might pursue a slot receiver for one of its four open scholarship spots for 2019. The Wildcats have several in-house options at the position, but none possesses Cooper’s experience.
Like Cooper, Johnson came to Arizona as a three-star recruit. The product of Tempe High School redshirted in 2017 and did not play last season.
Johnson was not expected to have a major role with the Wildcats this year, although he did add much-needed weight in the offseason. He’s listed at 6-4, 255.
Arizona was forced to shift defensive-line resources to the interior during spring, giving Johnson plenty of reps on the edge. He might have been called upon during the season if the Wildcats found themselves in a similar bind.
Cooper and Johnson are expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal, giving them a chance to land at another school.
