Southeastern has been known for producing plenty of great defensive backs with guys like Harlan Miller and Robert Alford making it to the NFL and establishing long careers playing on Sundays. More recently, the program has produced FCS All-Americans in the secondary with guys like Ferlando Jordan and Zy Alexander, who just transferred to LSU.
The Southeastern coaches hope to keep that tradition going and in this signing class, the Lions are super excited about Eunice two way star Tylon Cooper, who committed to the Lions back in November because of how the coaching staff pursued him.
“The thing that really helped make my decision were the coaches at SLU. I feel that they really wanted me to be apart of the Lion family as bad as I wanted to.”
“The coaches that were recruiting me was Coach Lee and Coach Hopp. The pitch was really the interest of the coaches. Both coaches took time to come watch me play and that showed that they seen something in me that could translate to the next level.”
Seeing the Lions play against Northwestern State play this past year further sold Cooper the idea that he can thrive in the Lions’ defense.
“The game against Northwestern State was the game that stood out to me. The way the defense held them to only seven points shows the type of defense the Lions have and that they play complimentary football.”
Playing for the Bobcats, Cooper displayed all of those abilities his senior season as he had 41 receptions for 851 yards and 13 TDs on offense while having 32 tackles and 3 INTs on defense.
Cooper was named on our Gridiron Football Louisiana Player of the Week list multiple times in 2022. His performance against Northwest showed what kind of impact the 6’0, 165 pound athlete with 4.5/40 speed can have.
“A game that stands out among the rest is the Northwest game. I had 2 TDs, 2 INTs, and 293 all-purpose yards. I feel I impacted the game on both sides of the ball to help us get the win.”
Cooper has always had a great mentality when playing football as he grew up playing against guys that were older than him.
“I started playing football when I was 4 or 5. It all started in a field behind Kev house because I didn’t put pads on until my 7th grade year. I realized this was the sport for me when I was 7. I always competed against guys 2-6 yards older than me, and that made me competitive.”
“My biggest strength as a player is my mentality. I don’t care who’s on the other side of the ball. I’m going to play fast and hard.”
Growing up watching a former LSU Tigers and current New Orleans Saint has also helped him try to embrace the underdog role.
“The NFL player I look up to is Tyrann Mathieu. He’s always the smallest guy on the field and he’s always playing fearless.”
That’s how Cooper approaches every practice and game, but now, he is embracing the challenge to better himself everyday.
“The thing I want to work on once I arrive on campus is my strength and weight gaining.”
The All-District wide receiver and defensive back selection is all about the team’s success as his most favorite memory this past season was being a part of a district championship Eunice team.
“The accomplishment that I am most proud of is being a district champ. Even when everyone thought we were going to lose to a tough Leesville team, we all found a way to win that game, which put us in first for the title run.”
Cooper is looking forward to celebrating more championship runs the next couple of years for the Lions after winning the Southland Conference this past season while continuing to strengthen the defensive back tradition in Hammond.
“My message to the Southeastern fans is y’all are getting a guy with limitless potential on the field and a gentleman off the field. I can’t wait to win championships with the Lion family.”
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