Despite his hype as one of the first in a line of talented wide receiver recruits to come to Syracuse the past few offseasons, Corey Cooper could redshirt during the 2014 season, SU offensive coordinator George McDonald said.

“If he can play a meaningful impact and help us win games, he’ll probably play,” said McDonald, who also doubles as the wide receivers coach. “If it’s going to be a limited role, he’ll probably redshirt.”

Cooper caught one pass on a post pattern during the second half of the offense’s 34-27 win against the defense in the Spring Game on Saturday, but it could be the only one of his that Orange fans see in the Carrier Dome until 2015. With Brisly Estime already solidified as the starting H-back and Corey Winfield and Sean Avant as more experienced alternatives to Cooper, the wide receiver may have to wait even longer to debut for SU.

Cooper was supposed to be part of last year’s recruiting class, but academic issues forced him to spend the season at Jireh (Matthews, N.C.) Prep before arriving on campus for the spring semester.

“He’s just another freshman battling,” McDonald said. “The biggest thing that we want is we always want competition, so a guy like him — just like A.J. (Long) — he’s putting himself in a great position where he can come back in fall camp ready to compete.”

On Saturday, though, Cooper showed some flashes of why it could be tough to redshirt him. Winfield and Avant were non-factors, and if SU wants to commit to Ashton Broyld as a wide receiver, Cooper is potentially Syracuse’s second-most talented H-back. He’s also the same age as the other three options at that position.

When more of the receivers arrive on campus in the fall and Cooper has time to work on his own during the summer, McDonald will have to make a decision.

“We’re able to play the best and be able to develop the younger guys,” McDonald said. “It’ll be interesting to see when he comes back for fall camp exactly where he’s at.”

Published on April 19, 2014 at 6:30 pm

Contact David: dbwilson@syr.edu | @DBWilson2