Zerrick Cooper is the other QB from Clemson in the 2021 NFL Draft
There is a lot of talk right now about Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but another former Clemson player playing quarterback is being overlooked. Zerrick Cooper the 6040, 225 pound gunslinger from Jacksonville State University is not being talked about by many because he is no longer at Clemson.
Cooper though is leading his Gamecocks and has really caught my scouting eye. Cooper can make every throw, and has athleticism as well.
Zerrick recently made our Small School Rankings on Draft Diamonds
He was rated a top 300 prospect by ESPN when leaving high school at Jonesboro High. He was the seventh best quarterback in the nation according to Rivals.com, and had a huge senior year. He lead his team to an 11-2 record and made it to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. He had offers from Florida and Kentucky but decided to play for Clemson.
After sitting out the 2016 season as a redshirt, Cooper would eventually serve as a back-up to Kelly Bryant in 2017. He finished 25-41 passing for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Cooper would decide to transfer after the season.
Cooper made the right decision if you ask me, because he has talent and it has shown the last couple years at JSU. In 2018, Cooper started as the teams signal caller and played in all 13 games. He was a first team All-OVC offensive player his first year and set numerous records in his first season with the Gamecocks. He threw the ball 417 times completing 251 passes for 3416 yards and 32 touchdowns.
He did not stop there though! Last year he threw the ball 439 times completing 260 passes for 3404 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also added 6 rushing touchdowns.
He reminds me of a more accurate Cardale Jones, and when he is on the field he is fearless. I love this kid’s game and feel he should be talked about a lot more than he is. With the 2020 NFL Draft under a delay, I have began watching film of 2021 prospects and I will continue to talk about Zerrick Cooper until everyone else in the country is talking about him. Get used to it!
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