By BY BRUCE HIXON – SPORTS EDITOR
As Jared Cooper strolled the hallways of W.S. Neal High School Wednesday, his thoughts were not on himself. Like any good teammate, they were on, what else, his teammates.
It is that kind of attitude along with work ethic and natural skills that helped Cooper receive the Alabama Sports Writers Association Lineman of the Year Award Thursday.
Cooper's thoughts were on his offensive line teammates, who helped the Blue Eagles put together a string of six straight 40-point games this season.
W.S. Neal coach Blaine Hathcock gives a lot of credit to the overall performance of his team's offensive line to Cooper.
Blue Eagles offensive line coach Coy Campbell said Cooper was also a teacher.
Campbell said Cooper is also a great pupil.
Hathcock said Cooper's verbal commitment to Auburn back in August has not changed him.
Cooper has drawn plenty of respect from across Murder Creek.
he'll be in trouble. A lot of the time teams knew W.S. Neal was going to go to Cooper's side, but couldn't get by him. He is a player who should do very well at the next level, not just because of his size and agility, but his work in the classroom as well.”
W.S. Neal senior running back Justin Smith, who ran for 802 yards and 12 touchdowns behind Cooper's blocking this season, said he could not have done what he did without Cooper's help.
Hathcock thinks Cooper's best football days may still be ahead of him.