Interview: 2023 Arkansas DE Cooper Darr Forged Path Ahead on Recruiting Trail with Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One of the joys of high school football is seeing the next top prospect rise from obscurity taking all by storm in an amazing way. The EF5 tornado of activity coming off the edge for Shiloh Christian during the 2020 season without warning was Cooper Darr. The 6-4, 235-pound, defensive end worked over Arkansas offenses for 90 stops, 48 solo, with 11 tackles for a loss, four sacks, four QB hurries, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries with a scoop-and-score in there. As the Saints marched their way to a state championship (14-1), their rising star picked up two starts on offense at right tackle and worked as a blocking tight end in the title game. His under the radar status is about to change with teams like Washington State showing interest and the camp season around the corner.
In an RNG first-look interview, Darr stopped by the Lab giving detail on his breakout sophomore performance.
Interview
Cooper, the Saints defense was mixing it up giving different looks to the opposition. What was the defensively philosophy of your unit during the 2020 schedule?
We changed every single week for each opponent. If a team was running a Wing T or a Spread, each week we had different ways to attack it. If a team was running a Spread, we’d go into a nickel with four down and two linebackers in the box or we could go into a dime package with three down linemen if it was 100 percent pass. Everything we did all depended on the team we were playing.
As mentioned, you guys were giving four-man looks in a two-point stance and a three-man front with each having a hand in the ground. Where all were you lining up and what were your roles within the different schemes?
In the nickel I was an end 5-technique on offensive tackles. My job there is a normal end, squeeze down and rush the passer on passing plays. In a two-point, that is either me in coverage working 2-1 on the offense or I was rushing. It was easier in two-point to get around tackles using my speed to get pass them with a move. That got me a couple more sacks last season.
Given the opportunities to line up and do different things as a defensive lineman, which areas of your game saw the most growth?
I’d say the thing that saw the most was me reading what was happening – reading my offensive lineman improved. If he was up high, I am pass rushing, or if he was down low, the normal run blocking rules. Reading my keys was a big improvement. Throughout the year, working with my coaches Josh Salisbury and Jacob Gill, they helped me a lot. They worked with me on pass rush moves. The want to go hit someone (laughs) improved too. I was shedding blocks and running 20 yards downfield to get a tackle. That got better and better throughout the season.
In which game did you have your best game of the 2020 season?
The semifinal game against Stuttgart.
Why did you pick that one?
I had one sack in the second quarter before halftime and another one where I stripped the quarterback and one of my teammates picked it up and scored.
When your sophomore season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on defense?
The thing I do best as an end is firing off. I am hitting you before you are out of your stance. That is my biggest strength.
Did you play any offense in 2020?
I did, I was a blocking tight end in state championship game and I started at right tackle in two other games.
Very cool. Showing off the athleticism.
Thank you.
What are you working on with your skillset this offseason on defense?
I am working on my speed and my overall strength. My speed can be improved, that will help me for the 2021 season ahead. That is my biggest thing.
Are you anticipating your roles changing at all during the 2021 season?
This upcoming season you will see me on the field at tight end, left and right tackle and I will be starting at defensive end.
To prepare for all of that work in the trenches, what are some of the workouts you’ve been doing to increase your strength?
Benching; I’ve been doing a lot more of that to get my power stronger. I have been working on power movements like cleans.
Have you maxed out lately?
No, but I know they will be a lot higher the next time I do. I have gained 50 pounds since I last maxed out.
Wow. Yes, you will see a big difference in your maxes. You’ve mentioned working on your speed, how are you improving upon that?
Working with a trainer, one of my friend’s dads. I am doing sleds and working on my 40. My big thing is running stairs and with parachutes. The big thing for me to increase my speed is running the bleachers at my stadium.
Are you playing any other varsity sports?
I play basketball. We just finished the season. Now I am going into offseason football and track and field.
How did the season go for the Saints on the hardwood?
It was a developing season. We will be very good next year. I had fun with it. We finished fourth in conference and made it to regionals.
Last question, but back to football. Are there any camps coming up you may go compete at?
Yes, I will be attending the Arkansas (Razorbacks) Linemen Camps when they come.
Cooper, it was fun learning more about you and your game today. Wishing you the best of luck with your track season and offseason workouts until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Darr family; Cooper Darr