Cooley named top Aggie, again
Utah Statesman: What are your thoughts about playing in your last home game Saturday?
Chris Cooley: It’s kind of hard to know that it’s the last time I’m going to play in Romney Stadium, but right now I’m just trying to look at it as just another game. I’ll remember it when we’re done.
US: Do you think being a team captain has made you a better player this year?
CC: I think it’s made me be a better team leader, not so much a better player. I play hard no matter what. I’m kind of a lead-by-example guy but it’s helped me a lot to be more vocal.
US: Right now you’re leading the nation in receptions per game ahead of some pretty good players. How does that make you feel?
CC: I feel good about it. I’m going to keep going, I want to lead at the end of the season.
US: Do you think your play this year has given you a pretty good shot at the NFL?
CC: I think I’ve accomplished what I want to accomplish this year as far as having some great games for pro scouts to look at.
US: What plans do you have for after the season?
CC: My plans are to work out hard, work on a lot of speed stuff. I’m going to play in the Senior Bowl and hopefully be drafted.
US: Are you going to the NFL combine?
CC: They don’t invite people to the combine until sometime in December. I’m pretty sure I’ll be invited because of stats and ratings, but we’ll have to see.
US: Do you have a favorite NFL team?
CC: My favorite team is the Broncos, but I guess depending on what happens in the next year, that could change.
US: Is there any NFL team that you think their system gives you a good chance to play, that focuses on the tight end?
CC: Personally, I think I can fit into any team system. I came here and in my first two and a half years, tight ends didn’t catch hardly any balls. I kind of made a breakthrough for the tight end spot at Utah State. Anywhere I go I feel like I’ll be able to do whatever they ask me to do.
US: What is your major?
CC: My major is art education. I would like to coach, so I’m going to teach art in high school.
US: Who are your favorite players on the team to watch?
CC: I love watching [Robert] Watts come up with a big hit. [Mike] Rosencrans. Offensively, I think Dave [Fiefia] as done a lot of amazing things. I loved watching Jerome Dennis return kicks.
-royburton@cc.usu.edu