Backup quarterback Zerrick Cooper announced his intention to transfer from the Clemson University football program this week.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound native of Jonesboro, Georgia played in seven games for head coach Dabo Swinney‘s squad in 2017, completing 25 of 41 passes (.610) for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Cooper redshirted his freshman year in Tigertown.
“I want to thank Coach Swinney, the Clemson staff and the best fans in college football for an incredible two years,” Cooper said in a statement released by the school. “The memories and relationships I have build with my teammates will be truly unforgettable.”
Cooper said he reached his decision to transfer “after much prayer and talking with my family.”
“This is no reflection on the Clemson family, but rather a direct reflection of my drive to lead, play and compete,” he said. “Orange and purple will always be in my heart.”
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Cooper was unlikely to factor into Clemson’s quarterback plans in 2018 as the job will go in all likelihood to either rising senior Kelly Bryant or incoming true freshman Trevor Lawrence, the No. 2 prospect in the class of 2018 and an early enrollee at the school.
Clemson also has rising sophomore Hunter Johnson in the mix, the No. 21 overall prospect in last year’s high school class.
Cooper completed 161 of 267 passes for 2,039 yards and 21 touchdowns during his senior season at Jonesboro High School. He also ran for 359 yards en route to player of the year honors in his region. In addition to playing quarterback, Cooper was a starter at strong safety and a starter on his school’s basketball squad.
In addition to Clemson, he was recruited by Kentucky and Florida so expect him to land somewhere and make an impact with his three remaining years of eligibility.
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