PREP FOOTBALL ’95 / SMALL SCHOOLS : Cooper Gets Late Start, but Scouts Catching Up : Football: After only two years and 10 varsity games, Brethren Christian tight end has evolved into a Division I prospect.

Kevin Cooper finally found the right words to explain how his life has changed, and the conversation was just hitting its stride when the phone rang . . . again. The caller was yet another assistant coach from a college football power, whose job duties now include befriending the imposing Brethren Christian High tight end.

But Cooper was busy, so he thanked the coach for calling and assured him he would return the call later that evening. Such is the responsibility of a big-time recruit, which Cooper undoubtedly is although he rarely believes so. Even as the phone rings incessantly and the letters pile up, Cooper only warily embraces his newfound status.

“It’s all come so suddenly,” he said. “I thought I had done well [as a junior], but then the letters just starting pouring in. I’m trying to keep it in perspective, but it’s pretty overwhelming.”

In only two years and 10 varsity games, Cooper evolved from an afterthought to a major Division I prospect while learning to play the game.

Cooper has grown to 6 feet 7 and 250 pounds, blocks like a hungry offensive lineman and has those “soft hands” of which coaches often speak so fondly.

Admittedly, Cooper isn’t the fastest guy in the Olympic League. He covers 40 yards in about 5.1 seconds, though this hasn’t dampened opponents’ assessment of Cooper. Not close.

“He’s a huge kid,” Orange Lutheran Coach Jim Kunau said. “He’s the kind of player that you have to key on a little bit because he’s such a good blocker and a good target.

“He’s definitely a double-edged threat. He’s definitely a guy we are concerned about.”

SuperPrep magazine lists Cooper as the 43rd best prospect in the West. Take that for what it’s worth, but the guys paid to acquire talent also believe Cooper is better than most. Colorado, Nebraska and UCLA are among the schools trying to obtain Cooper’s services for the future.

“Depending on the night, I usually get one to six calls regularly,” Cooper said. “Sometimes it’s more. It’s great, but right now I’m just trying to enjoy the time I have remaining in high school.”

Cooper started at offensive tackle as a sophomore on the junior varsity. Believing his talents were being restricted, he requested a switch to tight end.

Request granted. He caught 45 passes for 450 yards and three touchdowns last season.

“He’s still learning the details of the position, but he has a natural feel for it,” Sharrar said. “He’s really improved in the weight room and he’s committed to getting stronger.

“He’s only in his third year of playing football but his growth and maturity as a leader have been awesome.”

1994 IN REVIEW

Standings

Olympic League

League

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School W L T Orange Lutheran 4 1 0 Cerritos Valley Chr. 4 1 0 Ontario Christian 3 2 0 Calvary Chapel 3 2 0 Whittier Christian 1 4 0 Brethren Christian 0 5 0

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Overall

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School W L T Orange Lutheran 11 3 0 Cerritos Valley Chr. 9 3 0 Ontario Christian 9 3 0 Calvary Chapel 6 4 0 Whittier Christian 5 5 0 Brethren Christian 1 9 0

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Highlights

Coach Jim Kunau turned around Orange Lutheran in only his second season. After finishing 5-5 in 1993, the Lancers soared last season. Orange Lutheran advanced to the championship game of the Southern Section Division X playoffs. Van Nuys Montclair Prep won the title, defeating Orange Lutheran, 53-13. Lancer junior running back Che Holloway was among the division’s most talented and exciting players. He led Orange Lutheran to the championship game by rushing for 1,193 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per carry and scoring 19 touchdowns. Calvary Chapel had a winning record after finishing 5-6 in 1993. Whittier Christian made an even bigger leap after its record of 0-9-1 two seasons ago. Junior tight end Kevin Cooper emerged as a dominant player for Brethren Christian in his first varsity season.