Cooper Mays excluded from NFL scouting combine

#1
JohnWardForever

JohnWardForever

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#1
westwords -- What we have here is a difference of opinion. It bothers me.
National Football League godfathers decided Cooper Mays wasn’t a proper fit for an honored space in the scouting combine. I thought the Vol center deserved an opportunity. ---- Yes Mr. West, it is a slight to a guy who gave his all for Tennessee on and off the field. Click westwords and read the rest of the story.
Cooper Mays excluded from NFL scouting combine

Offensive lineman Cooper Mays #63 rallies the Vols before the Florida game October 12, 2024, in Knoxville. (Photo by Kate Luffman/ Tennessee Athletics)
 
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#7
#7
Hate it for Mays, I think he will play on sundays. But he is small for a center, and he has had injuries which raises questions. Hoping we continue to recruit bigger stronger guys up front. Nothing to do with Mays, he was a good tough player. Just talking overall, if we want to win championships it all starts with a good quarterback and being strong and physical up front. GBO!!!!
 
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#9
#9
IndianaVol said:
Sucks not to be invited to combine, but he has a ton of good tape and will make a good showing on pro day.

Would be very, very surprised if a team doesn't pick him up even as an UDFA.
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I kinda rather seriously doubt Cooper is the kinda guy who shows out at a pro day. Physically he isn’t very impressive for a NFL center. He is probably the kinda guy whose best traits would show up in interviews with teams, on the whiteboard, in a locker room, etc.
 
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#10
#10
Woodlawn VOL said:
Hate it for Mays, I think he will play on sundays. But he is small for a center, and he has had injuries which raises questions. Hoping we continue to recruit bigger stronger guys up front. Nothing to do with Mays, he was a good tough player. Just talking overall, if we want to win championships it all starts with a good quarterback and being strong and physical up front. GBO!!!!
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Jason Kelce was always considered small for a center at 295 and he's likely headed for the Hall of Fame. Jeff Saturday is another good example. Cooper is a baller and will make a lot of teams regret passing on him.
 
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#12
#12
Centers are drafted in small numbers, 10ish per draft, and if you’re not the top of the list, your chances to make it to the combine are low. Tackle are the sexy position and C are hard to pick. You only need one on the roster as the backup is usually your 3rd guard.
He can play-I hope his pro day goes well.
 
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#13
#13
sami said:
Jason Kelce was always considered small for a center at 295 and he's likely headed for the Hall of Fame. Jeff Saturday is another good example. Cooper is a baller and will make a lot of teams regret passing on him.
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I never said he wasn’t capable of being a good center in the NFL. Just gave the reasons some will in the NFL will grade him on. I agree he is a good prospect.
 
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#14
#14
“I’ve been super blessed … God has been really good to me … when you step back a little bit and see the bigger picture, that’s kind of the summary of it for now … it’s really special what’s going on at this university and what has gone on here in the small bit of time that I’ve been a part of it.

“Just really happy and proud to leave this place better than I found it.” -- You see why I hoped Coop would be invited to the scouting combine? Why I hope he’ll get a chance in the NFL? -- Yes Marvin, we see and we agree! One thing we know, Coop will land on his feet!
 
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#16
#16
Going UDFA is not a bad route for centers because so much depends on having rapport with the QB and the OC. David Andrews went undrafted and yet has played 10 seasons at 5’10” 295 because he had good chemistry with Tom Brady in his early career.

And Mays might get drafted still.
 
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#17
#17
Just read this about Cooper deciding to forego football for a new restaurant venture. Interesting! :cool:
Cooper Mays’ barbecue restaurant, named “Cooper’s Smokehouse,” is set to open its doors in the heart of Knoxville. The restaurant promises to bring the flavors of Tennessee’s best barbecue to both locals and visitors, offering an extensive menu of smoked meats, ribs, pulled pork, and a variety of signature sauces. Mays has even teased the possibility of offering limited-time specialty dishes that reflect his Southern roots.

The restaurant’s opening has already created a buzz in Knoxville, with fans of Mays eagerly anticipating the chance to try his famous BBQ. “It’s going to be an exciting experience for everyone. We’re all used to seeing Cooper on the field, but now we’re going to get a taste of his cooking,” said one local fan, who is also a long-time supporter of the Vols.
 
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#21
#21
The restaurant business is not for the faint of heart. I wouldn't invest in a startup.
Bars and Dance clubs are also tough.
I hope he finds a clientele.

There used to be many excellent Bar-b-q places in my county. Only 3 are left, and 2 of the places buy all their meat from the third one.
 
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#23
#23
feathersax said:
Just read this about Cooper deciding to forego football for a new restaurant venture. Interesting! :cool:
Cooper Mays’ barbecue restaurant, named “Cooper’s Smokehouse,” is set to open its doors in the heart of Knoxville. The restaurant promises to bring the flavors of Tennessee’s best barbecue to both locals and visitors, offering an extensive menu of smoked meats, ribs, pulled pork, and a variety of signature sauces. Mays has even teased the possibility of offering limited-time specialty dishes that reflect his Southern roots.

The restaurant’s opening has already created a buzz in Knoxville, with fans of Mays eagerly anticipating the chance to try his famous BBQ. “It’s going to be an exciting experience for everyone. We’re all used to seeing Cooper on the field, but now we’re going to get a taste of his cooking,” said one local fan, who is also a long-time supporter of the Vols.
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Good move Cooper 👏 👌
 
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#24
#24
JohnWardForever said:
westwords -- What we have here is a difference of opinion. It bothers me.
National Football League godfathers decided Cooper Mays wasn’t a proper fit for an honored space in the scouting combine. I thought the Vol center deserved an opportunity. ---- Yes Mr. West, it is a slight to a guy who gave his all for Tennessee on and off the field. Click westwords and read the rest of the story.
Cooper Mays excluded from NFL scouting combine

Offensive lineman Cooper Mays #63 rallies the Vols before the Florida game October 12, 2024, in Knoxville. (Photo by Kate Luffman/ Tennessee Athletics)
Click to expand...
we will miss his leadership immensely
 
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#25
#25
feathersax said:
Just read this about Cooper deciding to forego football for a new restaurant venture. Interesting! :cool:
Cooper Mays’ barbecue restaurant, named “Cooper’s Smokehouse,” is set to open its doors in the heart of Knoxville. The restaurant promises to bring the flavors of Tennessee’s best barbecue to both locals and visitors, offering an extensive menu of smoked meats, ribs, pulled pork, and a variety of signature sauces. Mays has even teased the possibility of offering limited-time specialty dishes that reflect his Southern roots.

The restaurant’s opening has already created a buzz in Knoxville, with fans of Mays eagerly anticipating the chance to try his famous BBQ. “It’s going to be an exciting experience for everyone. We’re all used to seeing Cooper on the field, but now we’re going to get a taste of his cooking,” said one local fan, who is also a long-time supporter of the Vols.
Click to expand...
Why go put your body through that? If the love of the game is gone...good on you lad.
 
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