SEC Football: Ranking the Top Ten SEC Wide Receivers for 2015
Nov 22, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (11) makes a long reception against the South Alabama Jaguars in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Related: SEC East Team Previews: How Your Team Makes it to Atlanta
However, Cooper was such an important cog in head coach Steve Spurrier’s offense that he carried the football 27 times for 203 yards (7.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, often while playing the role of Wildcat quarterback. In fact, Cooper had more passes (eight) completions (five) yards (78) and touchdown passes (two) than new starting QB Connor Mitch did last season. He can also contribute on special teams as a punt returner.
In his greatest performance to date, Cooper set a school record with 233 receiving yards against Tennessee in a game in which he scored four touchdowns: two receiving, one rushing, and one passing.
Because of inexperience at quarterback, as well as the departure of the team’s leading rusher and top two offensive linemen, Spurrier and his offensive coaching staff may have to be even more creative getting the ball into Cooper’s hands in 2015.
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Pharoh Cooper
Wide Receiver, South Carolina
There are bigger SEC wide receivers and there are faster SEC wide receivers, but pound-for-pound, there is only one better wideout in the conference than South Carolina’s Pharoh Cooper.
A 5-foot-11, 208-pound junior, Cooper is the most important player on offense for the Gamecocks in 2015. Last season, Cooper led the team in every major receiving category with 69 catches, 1,136 receiving yards and nine touchdown grabs, as well as a 16.5 yards per catch average and a long of 85.
Related: SEC East Team Previews: How Your Team Makes it to Atlanta
However, Cooper was such an important cog in head coach Steve Spurrier’s offense that he carried the football 27 times for 203 yards (7.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, often while playing the role of Wildcat quarterback. In fact, Cooper had more passes (eight) completions (five) yards (78) and touchdown passes (two) than new starting QB Connor Mitch did last season. He can also contribute on special teams as a punt returner.
In his greatest performance to date, Cooper set a school record with 233 receiving yards against Tennessee in a game in which he scored four touchdowns: two receiving, one rushing, and one passing.
Because of inexperience at quarterback, as well as the departure of the team’s leading rusher and top two offensive linemen, Spurrier and his offensive coaching staff may have to be even more creative getting the ball into Cooper’s hands in 2015.
Next: Laquon Treadwell