Curt Cignetti Wants More From Indiana Wide Receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. has progressed from appearing in four games in 2022, to an 18-catch season in 2023 to 28 receptions in 2024.
Not too shabby. Cooper played a big role in Indiana’s College Football Playoff season. He was quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s primary deep threat. He amassed 594 yards in those 28 receptions and averaged a Big Ten-best 21.2 yards per catch. He also had seven touchdown catches.
In addition, Cooper led the Hoosiers in average depth of target at 16, according to Pro Football Focus. Average depth of target measures how far downfield a receiver is when catching the ball.
Cooper is back for more in 2025, part of a talented wide receiver corps that also returns Elijah Sarratt and E.J. Williams. And he has an accurate deep thrower in Fernando Mendoza to deliver passes to him.
Cooper wants to make sure he continues his upward climb, and coach Curt Cignetti wants to see improvement just as much – if not more.
Cignetti pulled no punches in a press conference Thursday in terms of what he expects from Cooper.
Omar Cooper’s got the ability to be an outstanding football player. He’s got to do it day out, play in and play out,” Cignetti said. “He’s got to get rid of the inconsistency, set higher standards for himself, and have the discipline and commitment to achieve his goals and become what he wants to be. The talent’s there, the flashes are there.”
Cignetti wasn’t done. He clearly believes in Cooper’s ability, and the production suggests Cooper can be very good. But Cignetti was not subtle in talking about traits that might hold the Indianapolis native back if he doesn’t adjust.
“I’ve got very high expectations for him. I’ve been around some really good receivers. You know, it’s year 44 (for Cignetti) and he could be one of those kinds of guys. But you got to be able to count on guys, day in, day out, play in, play out, right? Can’t be up and down,” Cignetti said.
