South Carolina Gamecocks football 2014 roster preview: No. 11, Pharoh Cooper

Pharoh Cooper
sophomore WR
5'11'' / 201 lbs
Havelock, N.C.

Recruitment:
Cooper was a consensus three-star athlete in 2013. His other offers were from East Carolina, North Carolina, and N.C. State.

College career:
In his freshman season, Cooper was selected to the Freshman All-SEC squad as an all-purpose back. Although like most freshmen he began the season with a limited role, he increasingly contributed in a variety of ways as the season progressed. He began seeing more playing time at receiver against Kentucky. Beginning with the UCF and especially the Arkansas games, he was used as the wildcat QB, from which he excelled. He also began returning kicks against Arkansas. On the season, he tallied over 600 all-purpose yards in these roles.

2014 outlook:
Cooper is expected to reprise his jack-of-all-trades role in 2014. Moreover, with the departure of Bruce Ellington, Cooper is now the starting slot receiver, and he is expected to play a much increased role in the regular passing game this year.

Trivia:
Cooper could have played either receiver or defensive back at Carolina; the coaches legitimately considered him at both. Wonder if he would have gotten playing time as a corner this year?