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Zone Read: Cooper Perry Unplugged

Arizona Sports News online

Cooper Perry is arguably the state’s most dynamic playmakers in the class of 2025.

The Notre Dame Prep 4-star receiver, who was also a standout on the Saints’ lacrosse team, and is committed to Oregon, recently sat down with the “Zone Read” for a lengthy conversation on a number of different topics both on, and off, the field.

Have you been to the Nike headquarters in Eugene yet? Hoping this answer is, ‘Yes.’ “I have not been to Nike headquarters. I don’t know why. Ever since I was on my visit, I was either just at the facility, or with the players, coaches, and everything.”

So you didn’t reach out to which ever player hosted you and say, ‘Hey, before I go back to Phoenix, can we roll over there?’ “No, did not that of it at all (smiling). It was tough, too, because I was supposed to be there on Thursday night for my official [visit] but we had our ASU passing league tournament. So, my official was a little bit short and I had to come in on Friday around noon. So, that would have been some good time to get that in, but I was more worried about stuff.”

You’ve played on varsity since your freshman year and been dominant the last two seasons. You’ve already scored 47 touchdowns and rolled up nearly 3,000 total yards. You have your commitment out of the way. Is high school football getting boring for you and are you ready to get to the next level? “I’ll tell you a difference I’ve seen in myself as a freshman and now going into my senior season. I wouldn’t say I’m bored, I’d say I’ve [worked hard] to elevate my game. Only because, my experience at the varsity level since my freshman year, when I couldn’t even drive to school. My mom was dropping me off at the games. She had to pick me up and drive me home, too (laughing).

“Seeing the difference in skill from my freshman year. Hard work is everything and being able to get into my senior year and get ready for college is what I’m looking forward it. I’m definitely not bored [in high school]. I can’t wait.”

Speaking of driving, how do you like driving around [younger brother and NDP sophomore running back/linebacker] Gunnar? “It’s fun. It’s fun sometimes, but when I have to go pick him up after practice or something like that…I ask my mom, ‘Do I really have to go pick him up?’  and she says, ‘Yes, you have to go pick him up.’ It’s fun having him in the car, though. Sometimes he wakes up in the morning and he’s not in the best mood, but I just try to make jokes and wake him up a little bit (laughing).”

More exciting play for you: catching a game-winning touchdown or scoring the game-winning goal in lacrosse? “Oh, well my favorite memory of high school football, my favorite touchdown, was my freshman year against Horizon when I caught the game-winner. It was my first varsity touchdown. So, I’ve actually experienced both of those, but I would for sure say football.”

More physical sport: football or lacrosse? “Ohhh, different type of physicality. Lacrosse, I mean, you’re getting hit with different types of checks. It’s like hockey, you get a slap check to the wrist, that’s a worse pain than getting tackled by a middle linebacker coming across the field. You get hit in the leg [in lacrosse]. You get hit the wrist, for sure. That’s a different type of pain. I don’t wish that upon anybody.”

Do you know another former NDP football and lacrosse star, Jake Smith? A little bit. I do know him. He’s helped me a lot in the recruiting process because hes’s went through the same stuff in the same type of position. Lots of big-time schools wanting him, and telling their side of why he should pick their school, and stuff like. We just both went through the same thing. Especially with college football being a little different. It’s definitely changed a lot. So, you can tell there’s a different side to the recruiting process and I’m still going through it.

“Back to my freshman year, I had a great relationship with his younger brother, Gavin Smith. When I got brought up on varsity, he taught me everything. He’s was the coolest dude. I didn’t even really know how to run a route because that was my first year at receiver. I was a running back. I’d just get the ball and run around people (laughing). When I got brought up on varsity, Gavin brought me under his wing. He taught me everything. He’s the reason I want to play college football at the highest level…he was a big part of my progression here.”

Did you enjoy the recruiting process or dread it? “Man, this is crazy because, when you’re a sophomore and a junior and you start getting offers, you’re only thinking about the next offer. You’re only thinking about the next school that’s going to come in and contact you. But, when it’s time to make a decision, and what’s best for you, and your family, you really have to have those long talks and thoughts with yourself because it’s a hard process.

“It’s a blessing. It’s one of the biggest blessings I’ve had in my life, but it’s definitely a little bit of a curse if you know what I’m saying. It’s definitely a hard decision. I’m glad I’m committed and I really don’t have to worry about it as much. It definitely was a hard process.”

What was the tipping point for you with the Ducks? “So, my top two schools were always Oregon and Arizona State. Arizona State because I had the best relationship with Coach [Ra’Shaad] Samples. The best wide receivers coach in the nation. Unbelievable person. You talk about a guy who has the best intentions for you as players, but he’s also going to coach you and get you to where you need to be…when he went to Oregon, there was no need to waste any time and waiting because that’s where I wanted to be.


“The whole staff at Oregon I already had a great relationship with. I’ve known them since my sophomore year. That made it great for me to make that decision and Coach Samples was the tipping point on that.”

Are you an Arizona native? “No, I was born in Maine. We moved out here when I was six. My dad is from Connecticut, my mom is from Maine. My dad was a really good high school football player. All-American Connecticut running back. That’s where I got my athleticism from. My mom knows (smiling). We moved out here when I was in kindergarten.”

How did you feel when you heard the Pac-12 was officially dead? “Man, I was kind of sad. You grow up watching Pac-12 football. You watch the Rose Bowl. You watch all these guys…you watch Stanford, Christian McCaffrey. You watch Pac-12 football when you’re on the west coast, right? To see that transition.

“Honestly, I was a little bit sad but going through the recruiting process, committing to a Big 10 school, I want to play at the highest level possible. That’s my dream. I want to play in front of as many people as I can. That conference re-alignment made it possible. I get to play in the biggest games. I get to play Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, obviously. It’s going to up my competitive level 100 percent, but it’s also going to make me a better player, too.”

Many people believe the school from the former Pac-12 who is best prepared to handle the physicality of the Big 10 is Oregon. From what you’ve seen, do you agree with that? “100 percent. Coach Dan Lanning coming from the [coaching] tree of Kirby Smart. His goal is to make Oregon the SEC of the west coast. That comes with a lot of stuff. You have to go practice like an SEC school. Weight room. Film room. Everything programmed for that team is at the highest level possible. I think that’s why they’re so prepared…it’s crazy the way Oregon football works. Coach Lanning’s mindset is crazy. But it’s crazy good. He’s such a great leader. That’s one of the selling points I really liked.”

 

 

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