Interview: Big Armed 2022 QB Kenneth Cooper Making the Move from Texas to Arizona
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Have a canon for an arm will travel, so goes it on the gridiron. The 2020 season for Kenneth “KJ” Cooper and his teammates with Pebble Hills High School was a series of stops and goes with just two games played. But in the stats posted from Game 1, the 6-5, 225-pound, quarterback delivered hitting 15 of 21 attempts for 303 yards with four touchdowns. Cooper’s senior season will take on a new challenge leaving the El Paso area to play in Arizona at Chandler High School. The Wolves are coming off a 10-0 season ranked No. 1 in Arizona, fifth nationally. There is a vacancy under center with three-star senior QB Mikey Keene signing with Central Florida.
In an offseason filled with learning a new offense, showcase events like the Los Angeles Elite 11 Regional, and college camps, Cooper is attracting attention with his arm. UNLV, Wyoming, Northern Arizona, and Arizona State are among the programs scouting the progress of this Class of 2022 standout.
Interview
KJ, before scouting you at the Elite 11 LA Regional, I wasn’t aware of your talents as a quarterback. I kept watching you showcase that cannon for an arm. How did that camp go for you from a throwing perspective?
It went well. As you said, a lot of people do not know who I am. The Elite 11 was an opportunity to go out there and compete against the best. I told my dad that is the Elite 11 Regional I wanted to go to. I was blessed to go out there compete at a high level and show my talent.
What were some of the drills they put you through?
Some simple deep routes, bang-eights and they wanted to see our footwork under center and see our footwork overall. I was able to showcase my movement and ability. We did roll outs, seven-step drops, and pro-style stuff.
Which parts of your game do you think stood out the most competing against other top quarterbacks from throughout the region?
My arm strength, touch, and my feet – being able to move my feet.
During the 2020 season you showcased those skills with Pebble Hills running a wide-open Spread. For your senior year you will be spinning it for Chandler. What style of offense will you be executing with the Wolves in 2021?
Since I just got in there, it is a Spread, but they are open to everything. We can go under center and run a spread. We have guys that can move around. We have an Ohio State commit Kyion Grayes and Quaron Adams, who runs a 10.6 (100m), and 6-4 tight end Nason Coleman; he is a three-star, soon to be a four-star. We are looking to go out there win games and throw the ball around.
How does that offense fit your skillset?
It fits well. It shows that I can read defenses and that I know what I am doing on the field. Our head coach and offensive coordinator do a great job of molding us. Coming in from a different system, I am learning a lot. I am taking in all the information I can and learning the offense the best that I can.
How are you working to build that chemistry with your new teammates this offseason?
We just finished a really great spring; we are now in 7v7. I am trying to bond with them, hang out with them, and throw with them on our break time to get some routes in. I am showing them I am willing to compete at a high level and they can lean on me when needed.
What are some of the drills you are doing to improve your footwork?
My QB coach, Donovan McNabb (Eagles), helps me with under the center drills, cone drills, ladder drills, staying consistent and balanced. He is helping me stay on my game.
What are you trying to perfect with your throwing motion this summer?
Consistency. Showing I am consistent with each throw. I was making more throws than my sophomore year getting the touch and accuracy down. Every rep counts. That repetition is key.
As mentioned, I saw you at Elite 11 Regional, have you been to any other camps?
Yes, I went to the QB U Camp during New Year’s Weekend. That was the only other big camp I’ve been to, and the Elite 11.
What college camps do you have coming up on the schedule?
I am going to a NAU (Northern Arizona) camp today (Wednesday) at Higley High School then I am heading up to a UNLV camp, a mega camp, on the 27th. My dad and I were just talking about going to a TCU camp on the 30th.
KJ, I am excited to find out how all the different college coaches respond to seeing that arm in action this summer. Keep up the grind.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Cooper family; Kenneth Cooper