Even if Cooper leaves, Huskers’ WRs will be fine

By Marc Hudgens  |   Sunday, June 22, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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Because of fame and fortune, it’s always very difficult for a teenager -- or anyone, for that matter -- to turn down a shot at playing in the big leagues. Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Khiry Cooper is no different.

Don't be shocked if the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Cooper, a draft pick of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels, opts to go for a potential $150,000 signing bonus instead of pursuing a football career. Should Cooper do that, Huskers coach Bo Pelini and his program will still go on without him, probably having just as much success.

Certainly the Shreveport, La., native would potentially be a valuable weapon for coordinator Shawn Watson’s offense; after all, a receiver with 4.5-second speed is always a big gun. Plus Cooper’s high school résumé reflects a career 158 catches for 2,384 yards and 42 touchdowns during three years of play.

But he isn't exactly Nebraska's only receiver. In fact, the Huskers still have Antonio Bell and Steven Osborne, both of whom also possess 4.5 speed. Of course, the Huskers also have nationally rated athletes John Levorson, Tim Marlowe and Kyler Reed, all of whom have impressive receiving numbers. Although Cooper appears to be the crown jewel in Pelini’s receiver class of 2008, he’s not the only proven player with versatility and blazing speed in the group. Besides, a look at the numbers says Cooper isn’t rated far above the others.

At any rate, with its solid receiver class, it stands to reason the Nebraska offense will still be able to stay above board with the remaining talent (even if Cooper leaves).

It’s a long wait until Aug. 15, when talks between Cooper and the Angels are supposed to cease, and fans likely will be smoldering with anticipation as to which way the receiver will go. But the good news is that he is still in class and working out with the team. Nebraska fans can at least take that to heart.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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