Moved from defensive end to the strong-side linebacker position … adds depth as the primary backup … will be used to rush the quarterback off the edge … also used on special teams … tough and physical with a great passion for the game … graduated in May 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in finance … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star… previous bowl trips: 2006 Sugar, 2007 Gator, 2008 Fiesta, 2008 Car Care.
2008 (r-Jr.): Played in all 13 games and started one … selected an “Iron Mountaineer” by his teammates because of his hard work and dedication during the offseason lifting and conditioning program … played at the defensive end position after moving from the weak-side linebacker … used as a pass rush specialist … WVU Special Teams Champion: Rutgers … collected 11 tackles, including 1.5 sacks … part of defense that was ranked No. 11 in the nation in scoring defense …saw action on more than 275 plays, including a season-high 37 against Villanova … five tackles against Villanova … assisted on a sack at Pitt … two tackles against USF … two solo tackles against Auburn, including a sack … assisted on a tackle at Connecticut … saw action in 20 plays at Colorado … had an 18-yard run on a fake punt for a first down against Rutgers.
2007 (r-So.): Played in all 13 games … saw action in a season-high 15 plays against Western Michigan and Marshall … also used as a pass rusher on third down … registered five tackles, including two solo stops, 2.5 sacks and a pass breakup … assisted tackle and a pass breakup against Western Michigan … six-yard sack against Louisville … assisted on a sack at Cincinnati … quarterback sack against Connecticut.
2006 (r-Fr.): Saw limited action, playing in three games … assisted on a tackle and recovered a fumble against Syracuse … also saw action against UConn and Louisville.
2005 (Fr.): Redshirted … member of the scout team.
Prep: Sam Huff Award winner as the state’s top prep defender ... team captain for Coach Tony Filberto ... led the Red Riders to the state semifinals as a junior and senior ... 105 tackles and 1,125 yards rushing as a senior ... two-time, first-team all-state and the captain of the 2004 all-state defense ... 350 career tackles ... second in Weir career rushing behind former WVU back running back Quincy Wilson ... also a basketball letterman ... National Honor Society.
Personal: Birthday is Sept. 22 … son of Thomas and Carrie Cooper ... one of three children ... working on a second degree in sociology.
