University of Tennessee Athletics
Seven Questions with the '07 Newcomers ??? Kevin Cooper
August 09, 2007 | Football
Height: 6-1
Weight: 240
Hometown: Chattanooga
High School: Baylor
You went to high school with Jacques McClendon. Did he play a role in your decision to sign with UT?
???He was influential in getting me to come here. He wanted me to make my own decision, but him being up here makes me more comfortable. He???s been helping me a lot with what to expect from fall practice and keeping me positive.???
Tight ends are used a lot of different ways here. Do you think you fit the versatility needed for that position?
???I feel pretty good about my abilities. I can catch and play a little tight end, but I am most comfortable as a blocking back in the backfield. Anywhere they want me to play is fine with me.???
But you would like a carry or two every now and then, right?
???If they give it to me, I will run with it. But I???m more about the iso plays blocking a linebacker. I definitely have a fullback???s mindset.???
Were you a UT fan growing up?
???My parents were big UT fans, so I kind of grew into it. My mom was excited about me coming up here. She loves orange just like everybody else in my family.???
When did you start playing football?
???I started playing when I was eight, but I only played for a year. I didn???t get back into it until I was in middle school; I think it was the eighth grade. I have no idea why I quit playing. I guess my mom didn???t want me to get burned out on it.???
Is there a player you model your game after?
???I???ve always liked Lorenzo Neal. He is a nasty fullback. As a runner, I would say Jamal Lewis. He will just run you over. The goal is to bruise people.???
What do you like to do in your free time?
???In camp, I???m sleeping. But I was out on the lake earlier this summer and I did a little tubing. That???s a hobby I could get into. I???d never done it before this summer.???
By Tony Williams, UT Sports Information
