By BY BRUCE HIXON – SPORTS EDITOR
His skills on the field are obviously one reason why W.S. Neal senior Jared Cooper will be taking his game to Auburn University next fall.
The thing that a lot of people may not know about the Blue Eagles' senior left tackle is he will be taking a strong academic background with him to Auburn as well.
Cooper was named Class 4A's Lineman of the Year for the state last fall and was named to the Birmingham News Super-State Team, which is an all-state team that combines players from all-classes. He has also been selected to play in next month's Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game, which will be played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile. Cooper's classroom work success includes selection to the 2006 Class 3A All-State Academic Team. This year's team has not been announced yet.
Cooper said academic success is important to him.
Cooper has also been a big contributor to the W.S. Neal baseball program. This past season the first baseman hit .333 with four doubles, two homeruns and 16 RBIs.
Cooper's favorite subjects are history and science.
Cooper's other school activities include membership in W.S. Neal's National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Club.