In the heart of Oklahoma, Salina’s very own Cooper Hooker is making waves, and he’s not stopping until everyone is listening. Last Thursday, Hooker took to the field at OU’s elite camp in Norman, leaving quite the impression. For those who witnessed it, Hooker was the talk of the day, proving to be an unexpected standout among the participants.
Standing at a modest 5-foot-9 and weighing in at 155 pounds, Hooker might not catch your eye immediately, but don’t let those numbers fool you. Playing for the Class 2A-II Wildcats, he’d flown under the radar until now, especially being unranked by the major recruiting services for the class of 2027. Yet, what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in sheer talent and determination.
Despite currently holding offers from UConn, Georgetown, and Georgia State, Hooker’s summer is filled with camp visits across the nation, aiming to boost his visibility before his junior year kicks off at Salina. After a strong showing at OU, he wasted no time, heading straight to TCU’s camp the next day.
Last season, Hooker’s performance was curtailed due to a broken fibula, limiting him to 625 total yards and seven touchdowns. However, he was unstoppable as a freshman, bringing home 39 receptions for 727 yards and an impressive 14 touchdowns. His speed, footwork, and hands are his calling cards, making him a standout despite a smaller frame than most.
At the OU camp, he even drew admiration from Peyton “Pop” Houston, a four-star quarterback and a significant prospect for the Sooners. Houston described Hooker as different – a testament to his explosive route-running and distinctive style.
The comparisons with players like OU’s Drake Stoops and Jacob Jordan are inevitable. Both Stoops and Jordan have shown what underdogs can achieve at Oklahoma, with Jordan, also 5-foot-9, making a name for himself after remarkable performances as a freshman walk-on.
While Hooker left the camp without an offer from OU, his frequent high praise at various camps highlights potential overlooked gems. Much like the buzz around Drake Stoops at OU or Cole Beasley at SMU, there’s a sense that Hooker is a diamond in the rough, primed for discovery.
The message from the coaches and scouts seems clear: Hooker’s relentless ambition and undeniable skills suggest that any school locking him down will be securing an impressive talent. While he hasn’t yet found his collegiate home, his journey is only just beginning, and the spotlight is finally starting to swing of its own accord in his direction.
