Copper wants to make it as a Cowboy

[SALADIN]

http://www.wdnweb.com/articles/2004/...s/sports01.txt

Copper wants to make it as a Cowboy

By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor




Catching a star.

That's exactly what Terrance Copper is hoping to do, as the former Washington Pam Pack great prepares for life as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Copper, who set numerous records last season with the East Carolina Pirates, is excited about his chances with the Cowboys.

He's already looking forward to stepping onto the field at Texas Stadium, wearing the big star on the side of his football helmet.

"It's going to be a big experience for me," Copper said. "I remember walking out onto the ECU football field for the first time. I'm getting that same feeling about walking out onto the Dallas Cowboys' field for the first time. It's going to be really exciting."

The 6-0, 206-pounder, signed as a free agent, is competing with nine other receivers, including veterans Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn. Antonio Bryant had been in the mix, but a feud with head coach Bill Parcells pretty much put an end to that. It's likely Bryant will be traded before the start of the season.

"All the talent level is about the same," Copper said of the receivers. "Once you get to this level, the talent really levels out a bit. It's basically just making plays. You just have to make the big plays in practice and in the preseason games."

So did Johnson give Copper any advice?

"He told me that this is a business; you have to stay healthy and keep your mouth closed - just play," Copper said.

Interesting advice from a player who does more than his fair share of chatting it up on the field.

"That's kind of crazy coming from him about keeping your mouth closed," Copper said with a laugh.

Copper knows he'll have to make a solid impression during the upcoming training camp to land a spot on the final roster. Before he heads out to training camp, Copper plans to work out with former ECU teammate and Green Bay Packers' fullback Vonta Leach in Greenville to stay in shape.

"I'm going to be lifting every day, running and doing a lot of stretching," Copper said. "You have to prevent injuries. I'm going to be doing a lot of hamstring work because, once you get fatigued, you start pulling hamstrings. I'm just going to work on staying in shape."

Copper heads back to Dallas on July 28, then flies out with the team for the start of training camp July 31 in Oxnard, Calif.

"I've talked with some of the veterans and they say it's going to be hard," Copper said. "It's going to be really tough. You get up at like 6 (a.m.) and you don't get back to your bed until like 9 or 10 (p.m.), so it's going to be all day long, every day. On top of that, you have preseason games.

"I have to look at it that it's my chance to go in there and show them what I can do. I'm looking forward to it. I've never been to California so it's going to be a new experience, on top of being with the Cowboys."

Copper was prepped on what the Cowboys' coaches expect during the team's rookie camp and minicamp.

"Minicamp went really well," he said. "We had rookie camp right after the draft and that was pretty tough because we only had a couple receivers there doing all the plays. When the veterans came and we had another camp, it kind of eased up a little bit because we had more receivers."

While Copper said he thought he performed well, the coaches don't exactly tell the players that.

"There's a lot of mind games," Copper said. "They really don't let you know how good you're doing. They don't want you to get into a comfort zone, so they're always stressing the stuff you have to get better at."

Copper said that it's important to stay healthy and understand the playbook.

"If you stay healthy, you have a good shot of making it," he said. "I study that playbook. I always studied it on my own, not just in the meeting rooms when we go over plays. If you don't study the playbook at night before you go to sleep, and in the morning, and while you're waiting to get taped, then you're going to have a hard time learning the plays and remembering the plays."

A plus for Copper is that he's also seeing looks with the special teams.

The more versatile he is, the better shot Copper has of making the team.

"I'll be doing kickoff returns, punt returns, gunner on punts and some running the corners on returns," he said.

The gunner is the player that is known as the "suicide" guy, the player that gets down the field first on punts who is responsible for tackling the returner.

"You just have to do something to stand out," Copper said. "(Being a receiver and special team's player) is a bonus. All the rookies have to play special teams. If you can return punts and return kickoffs on top of being a receiver, then that's an extra plus for you.

"You just want to go out there and prove yourself."

Copper knows that he'll really get a chance to shine in the preseason games. The Cowboys' first exhibition game is August 14 at the Houston Texans.

"In minicamp we got some reps but not like what we're going to get in training camp," he said. "In training camp, they want to see what the young guys can do. The veterans have pretty much already proven themselves. There will be a lot of opportunities to make plays in the preseason games."

Copper certainly made a number of plays for the Pirates last season. He caught 87 balls for 897 yards to set a new ECU record for receiving yards in a season. His 87 receptions established a new ECU single season mark and ranks as the fourth-most ever in a season by a Conference USA player.

He led C-USA in receptions and ranked seventh in the final NCAA statistics with 7.25 receptions per game as a senior. Copper finished his career ranked second on the school's career receptions list with 139 and fourth on the all-time yards receiving list with 1,683. He became the first ECU wide receiver to earn All-Conference USA accolades after being named second team all-conference.

Copper will be hoping to make even bigger plays with the Cowboys and impress his coaches, including The Tuna.

"Coach Parcells is the type of coach that, he just wants you to do what he asks of you," Copper said. "If you do that, you have no problems. The only time you have problems is when you try to do your own thing, or when you get away from what he's telling you to do.

"He's a good coach and a great guy to be around."

ECU head coach John Thompson believes Copper has a chance to make some noise in Dallas.

"If Terrance gets in there, I think he has a good shot," Thompson said. "He's a guy that can catch the ball. To me, he looks like a natural fit with Bill Parcells and the Cowboys' offense."

Copper could see his first regular season NFL game Sept. 12 at the Minnesota Vikings.

And when he walks out onto that football field as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Copper will have caught that star.

[MichaelWinicki]

Originally Posted by SALADIN

Antonio Bryant had been in the mix, but a feud with head coach Bill Parcells pretty much put an end to that. It's likely Bryant will be traded before the start of the season.

Likely traded huh?


I wonder if Bill P. knows that?

[SALADIN]

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

Likely traded huh?


I wonder if Bill P. knows that?

Mike, keep in mind that this is a Washington (D.C.) based article.

They hope for Bryant to get released as much as we want Arrington to be released.

Bryant for Arrington? ......hmmm

Can Bryant be that talented that B.P. wouldn't release him under these current circumstances?

It's not like Bryant is L.T. ... right? He can't get away with what he's done...right?

[LaTunaNostra]

Originally Posted by SALADIN

[While Copper said he thought he performed well, the coaches don't exactly tell the players that.

There's another spin for this one, kid.

And that's that you AIN'T DOIN' anything right.



Copper sounds like a bright bulb, tho.

If he can also walk the walk...

....I hope he can.

Good luck to him.

[Yeagermeister]

Originally Posted by SALADIN

Mike, keep in mind that this is a Washington (D.C.) based article.

They hope for Bryant to get released as much as we want Arrington to be released.

Bryant for Arrington? ......hmmm

Can Bryant be that talented that B.P. wouldn't release him under these current circumstances?

It's not like Bryant is L.T. ... right? He can't get away with what he's done...right?

Fred Smoot hopes he get traded

[junk]

TERRANCE COPPER
Position: WR
Class: Sr
School: East Carolina
Conference: C-USA
Ht., Wt.: 6'0, 208
40 Time: 4.56
Grade: 3.17


BIO: Second-team all-conference selection as a senior after catching 87/897/2. Junior totals were 30/395/0, after 13/204/0 the prior season when he spent time at H-back. Used to return punts throughout college.

POSITIVES: Durable receiver prospect with terrific size-speed numbers. Uses the sidelines well, settles into the open spot on the field then extends his hands to catch the pass away from his frame. Quickly releases off the line, not afraid to go over the middle and makes the difficult reception in traffic. Works hard, competitive and leads by example on the football field. Quick-footed running after the catch and displays a burst as well as open-field speed if given the slightest bit of room to run.

NEGATIVES: Does not play to his timed speed or consistently stretch the defense as one would think. Has a sturdy frame yet tends to hear footsteps or gathers into receptions if he's going to get hit. Loses out in battles more times than he should.

ANALYSIS: Though not meeting expectations placed upon him, Copper has shown a steady line of progress in college. Displayed solid signs during his senior campaign then went on to have a good week of practice and impress scouts at the Blue-Gray game. Could fit into the late rounds and end up being a team's fifth receiver.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

[MichaelWinicki]

Originally Posted by SALADIN

Mike, keep in mind that this is a Washington (D.C.) based article.

They hope for Bryant to get released as much as we want Arrington to be released.

Bryant for Arrington? ......hmmm

Can Bryant be that talented that B.P. wouldn't release him under these current circumstances?

It's not like Bryant is L.T. ... right? He can't get away with what he's done...right?

You know why I think he won't be traded nor released because Bill P. helped exasperate the situation. Everyone at the time asked, "What would Tom Landry do?" Well Tom Landry wouldn't have picked the shirt up and fired at Bryant.

Bill did not help calm the situation. If Parcells had not done what he had done Bryant probably would not have flied off the handle the way he did.

Does that excuse Bryant? No, But the point is Parcells helped escalate the whole thing to what it became.

[Nors]

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

You know why I think he won't be traded nor released because Bill P. helped exasperate the situation. Everyone at the time asked, "What would Tom Landry do?" Well Tom Landry wouldn't have picked the shirt up and fired at Bryant.

Bill did not help calm the situation. If Parcells had not done what he had done Bryant probably would not have flied off the handle the way he did.

Does that excuse Bryant? No, But the point is Parcells helped escalate the whole thing to what it became.

of pulling this type crap, he is a heartbeat away from being this years Ross. Lets hope he got it or he's a goner.
Parcells needed to fire it at Bryant. He doesn't get "It". And may never. I liked him a lot out of College, reminded me of Irvin. But Irvin performed first, Bryant acts up first.

[SALADIN]

Originally Posted by LaTunaNostra

There's another spin for this one, kid.

And that's that you AIN'T DOIN' anything right.



Copper sounds like a bright bulb, tho.

If he can also walk the walk...

....I hope he can.

Good luck to him.

After high school I couldn’t believe how relevant and significant the psychological aspect was part of the game.

Bottom line…don’t get comfortable, ever! Easier said than done when you’re made to feel comfortable by everyone else. It’s interesting that he already realizes the politics and head games involved at this point of his career.

Just play, and make the plays.

“The play is the thing”

(you know who)

[LaTunaNostra]

Originally Posted by SALADIN

After high school I couldn’t believe how relevant and significant the psychological aspect was part of the game.

Bottom line…don’t get comfortable, ever! Easier said than done when you’re made to feel comfortable by everyone else. It’s interesting that he already realizes the politics and head games involved at this point of his career.

Just play, and make the plays.

“The play is the thing”

(you know who)

ha, "wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King."

Copper better hope he can at least catch the King's notice.

"Hamlet's" got just 20 scant training camp days to do it in.

[big dog cowboy]

Originally Posted by SALADIN

Antonio Bryant had been in the mix, but a feud with head coach Bill Parcells pretty much put an end to that. It's likely Bryant will be traded before the start of the season.

Where in the world did this writer get that info from?

[Bluefin]

Originally Posted by big dog cowboy

Where in the world did this writer get that info from?

The same place a lot of Dallas reporters seem to get thier info these days, his fragile little mind. LOL

When the Dallas media is clueless to the inner workings out at the Ranch, where does that leave guys on the East coast?

Terrance Copper sounds pretty upbeat, but his best bet is a spot on the practice squad, IMO.

Cop was also a punt returner at ECU, so his special teams experience may help him out, IMO.

Here's Copper's college bio.

Terrance Copper
Position: Wide Receiver/Return Specialist
College: East Carolina
Height: 5-11
Weight: 208
Hometown: Washington, N.C.

OVERVIEW

Tough, durable athlete who provided the team with big plays as a receiver and punt returner … The team's go-to receiver lined up at split end, flanker, H-back and in the slot during his career … Despite spending most of his time making the difficult catches in traffic, he never missed a game during his career due to injuries … In 47 contests, he caught 139 passes for 1,683 yards (12.1 avg.) and three touchdowns, adding 522 yards on 67 punt returns (7.8 avg.), 211 yards on nine kickoff returns (23.4 avg.) and 72 yards with a score on 16 carries (4.5 avg.) … Only Jason Nichols (152, 1994-97) caught more passes in a career for the Pirates … His 1,683 yards are topped only by Larry Shannon (1,714, 1994-97), Mitchell Galloway (1,754, 1993-96) and Troy Smith (1,982, 1995-98) on the school's all-time record list … Became the first receiver in school annals to earn All-Conference USA honors.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has an athletic build with solid overall muscle mass, good lower body thickness, knotted calves and adequate muscle definition in his arms and chest … Shows some suddenness in his release off the line, accelerating to top speed quickly … Does a good job with his feet and hands to slap and swim past the jam … Has the power to escape defenders looking to redirect him off his routes … Finds the openings in the zone and has an explosive running stride to separate from defenders … Has the speed to uncover across the field and the burst to turn a short catch into a long gain … Gets a lot of production going over the middle, displaying good concentration to compete for the ball in traffic … Makes good hand adjustments to get to the poorly thrown ball and has the natural feel for the high, low and over the shoulder grabs … Has the deep speed to stretch the field and the burst needed to quickly press the defense … Shows good flexibility to extend for the ball … Has reliable hands and maintains concentration on punt returns, displaying adequate straight-line speed and vision (has better speed through his routes than when having to gather himself first on returns).

Negatives: Despite his speed, needs to gain acceleration on returns first in order to elude, but does not show the hip swerve to slip past blocks … Shows toughness catching in traffic, but does not display the power to prevent going down from the initial tackle … Needs route refinement, as he gathers at the top, rounds out of his breaks and struggles to sink his hips in order to make the 90-degree cut … Will position and pester, but lacks aggression and strength to face up as a blocker.

AGILITY TESTS

4.46 in the 40-yard dash … Bench presses 225 pounds 14 times … 350-pound bench press … 475-pound squat … 318-pound power clean … 287-pound push jerk … 38½-inch vertical jump … 9-foot-11 broad jump … 4.59 20-yard shuttle … 12.28 60-yard shuttle … 7.06 three-cone drill … 30 5/8-inch arm length … 8 7/8-inch hands … Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Washington (Washington, N.C.) High, playing football for coach Brian Paschal … Set school records for season receptions (55 in 1997) and receiving yards (697 in 1999) as well as career receptions (159) and receiving yards (1,831) … Selected to play in the 1999 Shrine Bowl and East/West All-Star Game … Three-time all-conference and all-area pick, adding honorable mention All-America by USA Today … Four-year starter at wide receiver, helping team advance to state playoffs each season … Had 41 catches for 697 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior.

PERSONAL

Industrial Technology major … Son of Tony and Cassandra Copper … Born Mar. 12, 1982 … Resides in Washington, N.C.

Courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com, Powered by The Sports Xchange


The undrafted receiver I'm most excited about is James Newson, the Oregon State wideout carried a 3rd-4th round grade in most of the guides I glanced at.

James Newson
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Oregon State
Height: 6-0
Weight: 207
Hometown: Stockton, Calif.

OVERVIEW

Two-time team captain who has that fearless nature that coaches love from a big-play receiver … James is a tireless worker and is always in tremendous shape … The OSU coaching staff says his work ethic is second to none … In 42 games, he caught 213 passes for 3,572 yards (16.8 avg) and 19 touchdowns, topping the previous school career records of 153 catches by Phil Ross (1985-89) and 2,231 yards by Reggie Bynum (1982-85) … His 20 scoring grabs broke the OSU all-time record, first set by Vern Burke (1962-63) … Gained over 100 yards receiving in 14 contests … Only player in school history to gain over 1,000 yards in a season twice in a career.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has an athletic build with lean, solid muscle tone and well-defined arms … Has an adequate release, using his hands effectively to push off the defensive back against the press … Can plant and turn to come back on the ball and carries his route depth (does not cut it short) on deep routes … Instinctive player with good field awareness, doing a nice job of keeping his feet inbounds along the sidelines … Compensates for a lack of speed with an array of moves to get open, flashing a short burst to separate … Runs his short routes with great determination to get to the ball and is willing to fight defenders for it (type of kid that thinks every pass is his and the defender is his mortal enemy) … Has outstanding natural hands, showing ease of movement and excellent extension going up for the ball at its high point to catch away from his body … Tough and physical while working in a crowd … Even without top-end speed, he finds ways to get on top of defenders often enough to be a consistent downfield threat … Tracks the ball in over his shoulders and turns and contorts his body with no hesitation to make the adjustment grabs.

Negatives: Lacks the ideal initial step to get a burst coming off the line (defenders can always tell the play on his release) … Needs route polish, as he can plant and drive but has little burst in and out of his breaks … Lacks the second gear needed to gain yardage after the catch … Tough blocker when he wants to be, but does not apply himself on every play … Can handle punt-return duties in an emergency, but has had only moderate success.

AGILITY TESTS

Timed at 4.51 in the 40-yard dash (indoor track) and 4.55 in the 40-yard dash (outdoors) … 330-pound bench press … 420-pound back squat … 259-pound power clean … 209-pound press push … 34-inch vertical jump … 31 5/8-inch arm length … 8¾-inch hands … Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Edison (Stockton, Calif.) High, playing football for coach Frank Carido … First-team All-San Joaquin Athletics Association selection and MVP of the SJAA league, adding first-team San Joaquin All-Area honors and named the MVP of the Stockton Hall of Fame Lineman award … Two-year basketball starter and was all-area and all-league as a junior … Named a first-team All-American Grid-Hoop player by Student Sports Magazine as a combination football-basketball player … Earned three letters in football and was a two-year starting wide receiver … Caught 10 passes for 200 yards (20.0 avg) and one touchdown as a sophomore … Caught 35 passes for 538 yards (15.4 avg) and seven touchdowns with a long of 80 yards his junior year … As a senior, he snared 52 passes for 952 yards (18.3 avg) and 12 touchdowns and a long of 79 yards on a team that had its first winning season since 1983 … Edison was 6-4 during the 1997 season … Scored a total of 96 points as a senior … Played cornerback on defense and returned one of his five interceptions for a touchdown, and also returned a fumble for a touchdown.

PERSONAL

Liberal Studies major, enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts … One of two children of Helen Brooks … Born Dec. 21, 1979 … Resides in Stockton, Calif.

Courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com, Powered by The Sports Xchange


Hopefully, one or the other will show enough to at least make the practice squad and possibly the final receiver spot on the roster.