The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

CINCINNATI Bengals training camp is a month away and Bahamian offensive lineman Alex Cooper will have to make the most of his opportunity in order to claim a spot on the roster or practice squad.

The defending AFC North Champion Bengals will host training camp when players report to the Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 28.

Heading into camp, the Bengals will field either eight or nine offensive linemen, making for a competitive finish for a final roster spot.

Cooper was signed  as an undrafted free agent in May because of his versatility on the offensive line and that characteristic was on display immediately during his first appearance with the team. He participated in Bengals rookie-mini camp and immediately put that versatility on display.

Popular Bengals blog, CincyJungle.com, said Cooper’s versatility gives him an opportunity to remain in contention at several spots throughout training camp and the preseason.

“Bengals’ offensive coach Paul Alexander loves tough players, and Cooper fits that bill very well. The team also loves picking up offensive linemen who are versatile enough to play any position. Cooper might not have any experience at centre, but he has enough experience at every other position on the offensive line that you probably wouldn’t have to take too long teaching him that position. Given his lack of athleticism, they will probably want to take full advantage of his skill set as he competes for a spot on the roster or practice squad.”

Prior to signing Cooper, Alexander alerted  him that if the team brought him in to camp, he would be required to get some repetitions at centre, news which prompted the Eleuthera native to practice with anyone who could snap the ball to ... including his girlfriend.

“I told her this is something we’ve got to do. Team effort,” Cooper told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “I had heard from other coaches that I’d have to play guard and centre if you’re going to play at the next level.

“That sent shivers down my spine because I like to be out in space as a tackle. (The quarterback exchanges) weren’t as bad as you think for two guys who had never done it. I’ve got an open mind for anything.”

Cooper was one of 15 players signed as an undrafted college free agent by the Bengals following the completion of the NFL Draft. Undrafted players made up 29 per cent of NFL rosters last season and within the Bengals organisation, six players were undrafted free agents including All-Pro linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

Following his stellar senior season with the Houston Cougars, Cooper garnered the attention of several NFL teams, including the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders. In his senior season he was one of the anchors on an offensive line which powered the high-scoring Cougars’ attack. Cooper was named All-AAC and Phil Steele’s AAC Second Team selections. Cooper started 25 straight games on the Cougars line at various positions, including both tackle spots and right guard.

Cooper and his line mates led a Houston team that is 14th nationally in rushing offence at 240.1 yards per game. Houston’s leader along the line with 892 snaps, Cooper did not allow a single sack last season and conceded just eight quarterback pressures.