'14 TN OL Akeem Cooperwood

long time no bump.... Vic's commitment had me looking at '14 prospects again...

How did this guys season go?

Lots of chatter about the new staff's preference for smaller, quicker lineman. I'm hoping it doesn't affect an offer for Cooperwood.

Thoughts here...
 
I don't think smaller is necessarily what they are looking for but I do think they want quicker, more athletic linemen to run the zone scheme and still get to the second level. I think that's why they weren't that sold on Reeve Koehler. He was massive but SLOW.
 
I've seen a 40 time of 5.95 for this kid. Does anyone know if that is accurate? If so, that may make him less attractive to CBJ and staff. Hard to effectively get to the second level with that kind of time.
 
I know Fulton ppl that say this kid wouldn't play a snap at UT.. Just doesn't have attitude. They say he gets whipped consistently by kids half his size.
 
I've seen a 40 time of 5.95 for this kid. Does anyone know if that is accurate? If so, that may make him less attractive to CBJ and staff. Hard to effectively get to the second level with that kind of time.

40 time means squat for o-line. You look at shuttle time and strength measurables for linemen. 40 time doesn't tell you anything because linemen don't rely on straight-line speed.

About the only time 40 time is even halfway useful is when you're looking at guys who use their straight-line speed, like WR(where it's still a little overrated) and CB (where it's a little more useful) .
 
I don't disagree that it doesn't tell you much but it still is a reference point relative to other players and is often the only measure of speed available for these prospects. Most good lineman will clock between 5.0-5.4 for the 40. The slowest time recorded at the NFL combine this year was 5.67.

Maybe this kid has a fantastic shuttle time and his first 10 yards is incredible. Given the lack of additional information and from what I have seen of this kid, I question if he has the quickness necessary to excel at the SEC level. Particularly, in a zone/stretch type of offense where lateral quickness and the ability to get to the second level are highly desirable. Kid may prove to be a beast and I wish him all success.
 
i could see this as Butch's first big challenge. if Cooperwood gets several good D1 offers, and not one from UT, then that'll be a tough one to explain.... his High school is less than 4 miles from UT
 
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I know Fulton ppl that say this kid wouldn't play a snap at UT.. Just doesn't have attitude. They say he gets whipped consistently by kids half his size.

We used to play Fulton and they had that same mentality back in the day. I think it is still the same coach too
 
We used to play Fulton and they had that same mentality back in the day. I think it is still the same coach too

They have some stud skill players. I know their qb, and he's good. Cooperwood isn't even considered a standout on his own team.. Sucks, because I got my hopes up over him a cpl years ago when I heard how massive dude was.
 
Akeem Cooperwood is ready to show off his lineman-perfect frame.

The 6-foot-7, 315-pound junior offensive lineman from Knoxville (Tenn.) Fulton will visit Tennessee this weekend and will visit Vanderbilt on Feb. 13.

"I have more junior days invitations. The dates haven't been set yet," Cooperwood said.

Cooperwood hasn't received his first scholarship offer. However, he has received interest from LSU, Tennessee, Florida, Florida State, Louisville, Miami, Kentucky, Duke, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, Boston College and Michigan.

- Per ESPN
 
I feel like the potential is there but he hasn't put it together at all yet. Still plenty of time.
 
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