Week Seven's Overnight Sensation: Edgerrin Cooper, Linebacker

Each Monday during the 2021 Texas A&M football season, we’ll identify a first or second-year Aggie player who delivered an exceptional performance and earned the distinction of being the week’s ‘Overnight Sensation.’

Coooooop.

Redshirt freshman linebacker Edgerrin Cooper put on a special display on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, Missouri, leading all defensive players in tackles with eight. Cooper made seven solo tackles and a tackle for loss.

All of this after having his helmet stolen in the postgame celebration following Texas A&M's win over Alabama a week ago.

Coming into the season, much had been made about a possible lack of depth at the linebacker position following the departure of Buddy Johnson. However, Cooper's emergence along with steady play from veteran Aaron Hansford has fostered a solid unit in the middle of Mike Elko's defense.

Cooper's second tackle for loss of the season came in the fourth quarter as the game's outcome was no longer in doubt.

With the Tigers driving into Aggie territory, Cooper dropped running back Tyler Badie for a three-yard loss on second-and-6, halting the momentum of Missouri's offense. On the very next play, quarterback Connor Bazelak was sacked for a loss of 10, and the Tigers were forced to punt in plus-territory.

Saturday was just another step in the development and maturation process of the youngster from Covington, Louisiana.

A season ago, Cooper appeared in all 10 games for the Aggies, making just two tackles as a true freshman. Last week vs. Alabama, he made a then-career-high five stops vs. the Tide.

On Saturday, he shattered that career-best and showcased a Buddy-like big-hit capability.

The future is bright for the one they call 'Coop.'

Cooper's stats vs. Missouri
Total Tackles: 8
Solo Tackles: 7
Sacks: 0
TFLs: 1
Interceptions: 0

Cooper's 2021 stats
Total Tackles: 26
Solo Tackles: 19
Sacks: 0
TFLs: 2
Interceptions: 1