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Clemson Football Redshirt Report: Zerrick Cooper

By Anthony Messenger

Jan 7, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Zerrick Cooper (6) during Clemson Tigers practice at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Zerrick Cooper (6) during Clemson Tigers practice at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Throughout the off-season we are going to be taking a look at the members of Clemson’s 2016 recruiting class who redshirted last season. In this edition of the Clemson football redshirt report we will be discussing Zerrick Cooper.

Related Story: Clemson Football Redshirt Report: T.J. Chase

Zerrick Cooper (QB) Jonesboro, Georgia:

Zerrick Cooper came to Clemson from Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro Georgia. Clemson has had success recruiting in the peach state recently, the Tigers own Deshaun Watson is from Georgia as well as a few members of the 2017 recruiting class.

247sports had Cooper rated as the 7th quarterback prospect in the country and the 249th overall player in the country in 2016.

Best Attributes:

Zerrick Cooper’s best attribute as a quarterback is his poise. On film Cooper appears calm and confident when standing in the pocket, even facing a pass rush. Also, when Cooper gets out of the pocket he always keeps his eyes down the field, looking to throw the football.

One of the other impressive facets of Cooper’s game is his touch. Cooper has the arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows, however, down the field and over the middle of the field, Cooper displays the ability to make the ball drop behind zones. The Clemson Football program is set at quarterback for the next four to five years with Zerrick Cooper,

Hunter Johnson

, and

Trevor Lawrence.

Expectations:

I fully expect redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper to contend for the starting quarterback job next season. Co-offensive coordinator’s Jeff Scott and Tony Elliot will have their fair share of options, between Kelly Bryant, Zerrick Cooper, Hunter Johnson, and Chase Brice.

Next: 5 way-too-early predictions for the 2017 season

In order for Cooper to separate himself throughout the spring and fall camp, he must own the playbook and stay within himself. None of those quarterback’s are Deshaun Watson and that is completely fine. Dabo Swinney will make sure that the eventual starting quarterback is trying to be the best version of himself and not anyone else.

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