At UNLV, Cooley Wields Style, Not Brawn on Defense : Aggression Marks Play of Former Cleveland Star

At 6 feet and 230 pounds, Nevada Las Vegas middle linebacker Oliver Cooley isn’t frightening many opponents in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association.

The former Cleveland High standout is relying on other skills.

“He doesn’t have the blazing speed and he isn’t very strong,” said UNLV inside linebacker coach Barry Lamb. “The thing is, he’s very aggressive out there. He had a very good game at Wisconsin (a 26-23 UNLV loss).

“In most offenses, you have to neutralize the guards. He did that against Wisconsin and played well.”

Cooley, one of just 16 seniors on the 3-3 Rebel team, readily admits his shortcomings. But his enthusiasm fills in what his talent leaves out.

His Rebel teammates this year voted Cooley one of three defensive captains. If he doesn’t like an official’s call, Cooley gets right in the referee’s face and argues his case. On the sidelines, he does what he can to keep the Rebels’ emotions flowing.

“As long as I don’t get too out of control, I’m OK,” Cooley said. “I know I don’t have the size of most linebackers, but coach Lamb told me not to worry about that. He just wanted me to go out there and play.

“I may not be that quick, but I do other things to make up for it. I read plays well, so I try and anticipate which way the play is going so I’m there to make the tackle.”

After six games, Cooley is tied for fourth on the team in tackles with 42. He has 22 unassisted tackles. In 1984 he recorded 34 while playing in just eight games.

The Rebels play Fullerton on Saturday at the Santa Ana Bowl.

Cooley was a surprise starter for the Rebels. Last year, even though UNLV lost both its first-team inside linebackers, he never started. Instead, a freshman and an inexperienced junior shared starting assignments.

“He didn’t start at all last year,” Lamb said. “So we weren’t sure about him this season.”

Injuries and defections thinned the UNLV inside linebacker crew, however.

Going into fall camp, Cooley set out to earn a starting role.

“They don’t start you just because you’re a senior. I had to earn it,” Cooley said. “And, I know I have to play well if I’m going to keep the spot.

“I haven’t been too happy with the way I’ve played so far. I feel I’ve let the team down more than myself. I’ve had some outside problems, but I don’t want to blame everything on that. I think I have to clear my mind and concentrate more on football.”

Cooley’s self-criticism was joined by some advice from home. His mother, Matilda, listening on the radio to the Rebels’ 28-24 loss to Cal State Long Beach, wasn’t happy with her son’s play.

“She only heard my name three times,” Cooley said. “She told me I’ve got to start playing better. I guess I’d better listen.”

After a quiet career at Cleveland, Cooley was not heavily recruited. He ended up at Los Angeles City College, where he played one season. Cooley wasn’t interested in a two-year junior college career.

He transferred to UNLV in 1982 and sat out as a redshirt. Cooley did see action as a sophomore in 1983, recording 47 tackles. He said his biggest thrill was an interception in a 28-10 victory over San Diego State. The game was on national television.

“Oliver brought in a lot of experience to the position this year,” Lamb said. “(He) has good technique and if he can still get a half-step faster, he could be an All-Conference selection.

“He doesn’t have the size, but he’s vocal, and that’s what we need out there on defense.”