Ernest Cooper IV

Mike offers his thoughts on the 2022 defensive end board.

Got some notes from our friend Jason Howell at TexAgs who was at the Under Armour Dallas Regional on Sunday.Piggy-backing on the info Matt got from Joe Cook of InsideTexas, 2022 Texas defensive back Terrance Brooks wants to come out with a Top 5 this April or May with a decision likely coming in the mid to late-summer. Notre Dame seems to be in a solid position to make that Top 5, but the Aggies could be the leader at this time. Brooks has been doing a good job of keeping things somewhat close to the vest, but Texas A&M looks to be in a very strong position.Things are status quo with 2022 Texas defensive lineman Ernest Cooper IV.I did a full story with Cooper last week, which you can read HERE, and he still wants to hit the road before taking visits. Some people seem to be thinking Stanford is in an especially strong position. There seems to be valid reasons for that given the importance of academics to Cooper, but I wonder if part of that is because he's also visited Palo Alto already while he hasn't been able to take other trips yet. If he'd already taken several other trips, would Stanford be sticking out to outsiders as much? No surprise that Marcus Freeman and Mike Elston have been making a very strong impression on Cooper thus far. Texas, Texas A&M and Oregon all still in the mix as well.Christian McCollum RJ Cooper On Notre Dame

2022 Martin (Texas) defensive end Ernest Cooper IV was at the Under Armour Camp in Dallas on Sunday and our friend Joe Cook from InsideTexas.com had the chance to catch up with him. - He's been bummed not to be able to get out on visits. Cooper seemed a little puzzled as to why some kids would commit to a program without visiting. The only school he's made is to Stanford right before COVID hit. - Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford Texas and Texas A&M seem to have the edge right now and it's likely those will be his five official visits when things open back up. - Marcus Freeman and Mike Elston have clearly made a big impact here. Freeman's energy is something he enjoys, while he knows Elston will develop him. - Recently had a virtual visit with Brian Kelly and that went over well. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9878202/6024bd3632e6650dd09a7087