Interview: 2022 All-State Arizona TE/DE Cooper Ross Checks Off List as a Top D-I Prospect
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As a modern-day tight end, it is one thing to be big and another to be fast, but it is a whole other thing to be big, fast, have great hands, and have attitude when blocking. All the attributes that go into a Division I college football recruit is what Cooper Ross has been displaying with Heritage Academy.
After back-to-back Arizona state championships with the Heroes, Ross has the ingrained winners’ mentality on the field. At 6-5, 240-pounds, he also has the frame to go against ends and linebackers with the rushing attack and is too big for defensive backs to handle and too fast for linebackers when Heritage is airing it out. On the way to being an All-State selection at tight end, Ross secured 34 passes for 637 yards with 15 touchdowns scored.
If all the superlatives about Ross’ game on offense was not enough, he also took home All-State honors playing defensive end. The game-changing plays are finally attracting a next level crowd after being overlooked during his junior campaign.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Ross covers ground on his two-way All-State run with a look at the schools finding him in Mesa.
Interview
Cooper, I have an odd question to start the interview off; I hope you don’t mind. How did the Heroes beat Highland Prep twice in 2020 by the exact same score (46-6)?
(Laughs) Pretty dominantly. In our league, even in a down year for our league, it was pretty bad. But we had fun doing it. We played our game, did the best we could, and beat them pretty badly.
The second time had to be the sweetest winning the title against Highland. What was that moment like for you?
After all that work, you sit there and reveal in it. You finally got there, to the top of the mountain. Doing it two years in a row is amazing.
You showed out in the big game too. Do you remember your stat line?
I think I had five receptions for 122 yards with two touchdowns.
Not only are you a big target with hands, but you can move. What is the best-timed run you’ve put down?
For the 40, 4.9. That was three or four weeks ago.
Within the offense, what were some of the routes you were running in 2020?
We did a lot of posts, angel routes, in and back out – that was my top route, some comebacks, some streaks, and screens behind the line.
Blocking on the inside or out wide, how did that part of your game get better?
It was a huge improvement over last season. Last offseason, I had a lot of time to workout. I got stronger and bigger, and worked on my hand placement and footwork. I got after it putting the guy down on every play.
When the season ended, what were all the things you were doing well to be an impact player for your team?
I felt like I was making the plays I needed, showing up getting the receptions and the big blocks. I was doing my best on every play. Going up for the 50-50 balls and coming down with them is fun.
What are you focused on with your fundamentals this offseason?
Lately, I have been working on my footwork and speed to get faster. I am running my routes faster and at the top of my routes, I am getting faster. And, I am getting to the block faster. In the weight room, I am getting stronger in every way I can.
How are you pushing ahead your athleticism, strength, and speed?
I am in basketball season right now. In addition to that, I am going with my buddies running routes and sprints, and doing ladder drills. Any way I can, I am getting the work in. I am also working with a personal trainer to get stronger.
How is the basketball season going?
It is great right now. We are 12-1, and hopefully on our way to a state championship.
Another one, nice. Camp season is underway, are there any camps you may go coming up?
I am going to the College Coaches Showcase Camp in Arizona. I have an invite to another camp and some college camps. There are a couple of others we are thinking of. I am trying to get out as much as I can.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest after the big season turned in?
I am receiving interest from Columbia, Montana, New Mexico, St. Louis, New Mexico Highlands, and Sioux Falls among others.
Are there any visits you may take this summer when the dead period is over?
I am hoping to go to Utah, Montana, and some of the Idaho schools. Hopefully we can come back down and go to New Mexico, Northern Colorado, BYU, Northern Arizona, Utah State, Arizona State, and U-of-A (Arizona). Anywhere I can visit really.
Cooper, thanks for your time today. Congratulations on the great junior season on the field. Wishing you and the team success on the hardwood.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Ross family; Cooper Ross in action (2020)