Early Signing Period: Omari Cooper Signs With Rutgers Football

Omari Cooper had been uncommitted out of San Diego until today, the first day he could give a binding commitment. He officially signed per Rutgers Football with the Scarlet Knights:

Cooper played high school ball at University City HS before enrolling at San Diego Mesa. Rutgers really could use some more physically mature experienced linemen that could play right away in 2019 and Cooper fits the bill. He has a long frame to be tried at offensive tackle but likely the mobility to play guard which gives the staff some options if he is one of the best five linemen or perhaps needed as a swing tackle. As a December graduate, he likely will arrive on the banks in January.

Position: OL (6’5”, 300 lbs.)

Program: San Diego Mesa College

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Most notable other offer: Fresno State (though UCLA and Indiana likely would have if he committed upon receiving one)

Cooper arrives at Rutgers to an offensive line group that has a lot of bodies, but needs to add difference makers. Until Rutgers can establish a competent passing game, everyone on the offensive line needs to be at least an average run blocker with the athleticism to grow into a pass protector. Remember that offensive linemen usually take at least until their second, more often their third, and sometimes even their 4th year in the program to really contribute. With Cooper already being older and more experienced, he will be more ready than a typical newcomer.

Worst case: Ryan Brodie

Most likely: Antwan Lowery

Best case: Kaleb Johnson

Check out his highlights below:

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