Aggies LB Edgerrin Cooper Named To Butkus Award Preseason Watch List

Edgerrin Cooper returns for a chance to make headlines in 2023 for the Aggies' front seven.

Edgerrin Cooper is a thumper for the Texas A&M Aggies defense. He makes hits, highlights and hell for offensive coordinators when scheming up run plays. 

Now, he could garner more than just NFL draft buzz entering the 2023 season. 

Cooper was selected to the Butkus Award Preseason Watch List, announced Thursday morning by Butkus Foundation. The Butkus Award annually recognizes the top linebacker in the nation. 

Earning a full-time starting nod last season for D.J. Drukin's defense, Cooper finished with a team-leading 8.0 tackles for loss and 61 tackles, fourth-most on the roster. He also recorded five pass breakups and an interception in a road loss to Auburn in Week 11. 

During the 2022 season, Cooper made one start, but was a consistent contributor for a top-20 defense under then-coordinator Mike Elko, recording 58 tackles and two pass breakups. For his efforts, Cooper was named an SEC All-Freshman Team honoree.

Fifty-one linebackers were named to the watch list. The number of players is a nod to the storied “51” pro jersey worn by the award’s namesake, Dick Butkus, who was named by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history. The Butkus Award recognizes the best linebackers in football. 

The award semifinalists are expected to be named on Oct. 30, with finalists to follow Nov. 20. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.

Despite the departures of Antonio Johnson and Jaylon Jones, sixth-year coach Jimbo Fisher likes the depth among the returnees, including former Boston College defensive back Josh DeBerry, North Carolina cornerback Tony Grimes and sophomore nickel defender Bryce Anderson.

At linebacker, the Aggies added Jackson State standout J.D. Davis via the transfer portal. A&M also returns Chris Russell, who finished third in tackles with 66 stops. 

Cooper is joined by defensive tackle McKinley Jackson, defensive end Fadil Diggs, and defensive back Demani Richardson, veterans who all elected to return for one more season in College Station. A&M ranked 25th nationally in scoring defense (21.2 points per game), and 52nd in total yards allowed (365.2 yards per game).

A&M opens the season at Kyle Field on Sept. 2 against New Mexico at 6 p.m. 

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