Cooper Making Big Strides For UF

GAINESVILLE - Silly freshman.

University of Florida cornerback Joe Haden saw the long, lanky figure moving toward him. Not only did it keep getting bigger; it seemed to get faster with every step.

By the time Haden, one of Florida's fastest players, realized 6-foot-4, 220-pound Gators receiver Riley Cooper could match his speed, it was too late.

'His speed is deceptive,' Haden said. 'It doesn't really look like he's moving that fast. But if he gets one step ahead of you, he's going to open it up.'

Haden learned after a few times covering Cooper not to be fooled by his size or his long, loping strides. Still, he doesn't think opposing defensive backs will figure it out until Cooper zooms past them.

Cooper, a Clearwater Central Catholic graduate who left high school as one of the nation's top baseball prospects, torched Western Kentucky last week with four catches for 122 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Five of Cooper's eight career catches have gone for touchdowns, and he averages 26.8 yards a catch. Though the sophomore doubts he can keep up that pace indefinitely, he'd like to try - starting tonight at 6 against Troy at Florida Field.

'I just want to go in there and catch as many balls as I can,' Cooper said, 'whether it's a 2-yard gain or a 70-yard gain.'

When Cooper arrived at Florida, coaches saw his penchant for delivering punishing hits. Exhibit A: Cooper blasted LSU's Early Doucet on a kickoff last year, forcing a fumble and a safety that gave the Gators momentum - and assumed he would enjoy defense. Cooper declined, hoping the coaches would see the value in a receiver with linebacker size and defensive back speed.

They have, though a painful foot condition delayed Cooper's ascension into the regular receiver rotation. Cooper's big toes began hurting last September. He was diagnosed with sesamoiditis, an irritation of the tiny bones within the tendons that run to the big toe. The condition is most common in ballet dancers and baseball catchers - Cooper played in the outfield - and rest typically is the only effective treatment.

Cooper played through the pain last season, but he sat out spring practice. This week, he said he is '95 percent.' The only lingering pain, he said, is when he pushes off at the start of each play.

In other words, he could get even faster when his feet heal.

That, Florida's Haden can attest, could be devastating to opposing cornerbacks, who may not recognize Cooper's speed until he's already sailed past them.