Miami football 2022 signee Anez Cooper could play offense and defense

At 6’6, 352 pounds, 2022 signee Anez Cooper gives the Miami football program a massive prospect who has the potential to play offense and defense according to Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal. Cooper has already shown his versatility as a multi-sport athlete in high school as a center in basketball.

As the 1158th ranked player and 110th offensive tackle, Cooper projects more of a player that has to develop. Miami could use him in short-yardage defensively with a player who could clog up the middle. It was critical for the depth of the Hurricanes up front offensively to sign Cooper and fellow three-star OL Matthew McCoy.

During his National Signing Day press conference on Wednesday Cristobal mentioned that Cooper is one of the largest human beings you’ll ever see. Cristobal sees Cooper as having the ability to play on the nose or three-technique on defense and guard or tackle offensively. Cooper also lost weight from over 400 pounds.

Cooper and McCoy were key signees for Cristobal and the Miami football program. The Hurricanes did not have any OL signees in the Class of 2022 during the Early Signing Period. Cooper chose Miami over seven other Power Five programs. Cristobal discussed the outlook for the future for Cooper.

"(Cooper) “moves like a 300-pounder…He looked like a polar bear out there [in high school], slapping people around. He’s a unique talent. So light on his feet. So much power. I said, ‘What do you want to play?’ He said right guard. I said I’m very happy, [but the] defensive line coach won’t be happy about that.But he’s a guy that in situations will play some defense.”"

Cooper will be the biggest lineman on the Miami football roster. Jalen Rivers who played in seven games as a true freshman in 2020 and who started at guard early in the 2021 season before suffering a year-ending injury is 6’5, 325 pounds. Cristobal wants Miami to get tougher on the line of scrimmage.

Miami added OL Logan Sagapolu as a transfer from Oregon in addition to Cooper and McCoy. Miami signed DL Nyjalik Kelly, Cyrus Moss and Ahmad Moten in the Class of 2022. Jacob Lichtenstein from USC and Antonio Moultrie from UAB transferred to Miami to help add depth on the DL.