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Can the Wisconsinite standout in a crowded receiver room?
Max Cooper — Junior
Waukesha, WI (Catholic Memorial)
6’, 188 lbs
2019 Projection: Backup WR
We are just under three weeks away from Iowa football BACK so let’s take another crack at this wide receiver talk.
Max Cooper is one of just a few receivers on the Iowa roster who has actually recorded a catch. He had 3 catches last year for 15 yards. He also returned a punt as a true freshman in 2017.
Cooper wasn’t listed on the most recent two-deeps, and I don’t suspect his role to increase this year — doubly true with the addition of Oliver Martin. If you recall, Iowa didn’t extend an offer to Cooper—who had already committed to Central Michigan—until it learned Martin had spurned the Black and Gold for Khaki.
Cooper appeared in six games last year, but missed the rest due to injury. He provides solid depth and sure hands to a receiving corps that lacks an identity. He’ll still see reps on account of his blocking ability and route running, but it’ll be tough for him to breakout with Brandon Smith, Calvin Lockett and Tyrone Tracy (and possibly Martin) in front of the line.
Big-picture, Cooper likely retains the same role next year, perhaps in a slightly larger capacity.
Best of luck to Cooper this season, let’s see ya get 100 yards and 2 touchdowns against Wisconsin. And everyone else.