Ohio State recruiting: Jonathon Cooper talks BOTMW combine, early interests

In addition to the 20 or so players who had D1 scholarship offers at the annual Best of the Midwest combine, there were many talented players who had the talent to get offers, but had yet to receive the necessary attention of colleges.

One of these prospects was 2016 Gahanna (OH) Lincoln defensive end/linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who had one of the best overall performances at the combine.

The rising defender has picked up two offers since his combine performance, both from BCS schools, Illinois and Kentucky.  Cooper thought he performed pretty well at the combine.

"I think I did a good job in most of the drills and also showing my athletic ability, and showing my ability to work hard," Cooper told Land-Grant Holy Land following his performance at the combine.

At the time we spoke he had yet to receive an offer, but he had still been hearing from a couple of big time football programs.

"Some of the schools I've been hearing from are Michigan State, Ohio State, Northwestern, Penn State, and Illinois," the rising defensive end said.

After receiving offers from the Fighting Illini and the Wildcats, Cooper was very excited and plans to take visits to both schools.

"I think it's amazing and I'm so blessed to have two big time offers as a sophomore and I'm going to keep working hard," Cooper said. "I plan to visit Kentucky on Saturday and see when I can go down to Illinois."

Cooper hasn't had too much contact with the Buckeyes just yet, but it's pretty safe to say his contact with the coaching staff will increase in the coming days, weeks, and months. The high upside defender grew up rooting on the Scarlet and Gray.

"Yes I did, I grew up a Buckeye fan," he continued. "I've really on talked to a couple of people, but it's still early. I got an information letter, sent that back, and that's pretty much all I've gotten from Ohio State. I've also been to their summer camps."

There are a couple of things Cooper really likes about the program he grew up cheering for just a couple of miles away from campus.

"I like it because of course I'm a Buckeye and also because their football program has always constantly been good each year," he stated.

The Columbus native admitted that if the Buckeyes extended him a scholarship offer, it would be very tough to beat and could result in an early commitment.

"I think they would definitely shoot up (on his list) and I would probably commit to Ohio State if they offered me," Cooper admitted.

He did add that he would like to take a look at all of his options before announcing a decision somewhere down the road, but also said an Ohio State offer could speed the process up for him.

"Probably a late decision because I still want to see my other opportunities,"  he stated. "Though if a school like Ohio State offered, that would probably speed it up a bit."

When it comes to the things that will be the biggest factors in his decision, academics and the overall football program standout in a school he would like to attend.

"I'm looking for a very good engineering program and also am also looking for a very good football program as well," he said.

It's pretty clear the Buckeyes are the team to beat for Cooper if they decide to offer him a scholarship, which based on his tape and his performance at the combine I think will happen at some point in his recruitment. He could be a defensive end or linebacker at the next level.

If you want to see Cooper in action, make sure to check out his highlights here.