Jimbo Fisher discusses how players like Edgerrin Cooper can become a leader

Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper hit the ground running as a redshirt freshman. Jimbo Fisher trusted the young linebacker in his first year of actual play as Cooper appeared in all 12 games for the Aggies in 2021. He also tied for fourth in total tackles on the team with 58. So a very bright future ahead the rising sophomore.

Now that it’s Cooper’s third year in the program, and he proved himself on the field last fall, is he rising into a leadership role within the team? One reporter recently asked Fisher exactly that during a press conference. To which the Texas A&M head coach responded bitingly. Take a look:

“Like I say, some of these guys, you keep saying leadership. Leadership, you can lead by example. Will you make sure you’re doing your job before you jump into a leadership role. Which he does become by how hard he works, the he plays.”

Fisher went on to emphasize that Cooper still needs to learn to play controlled while still finding ways to use his athleticism.

“Becoming much more consistent. You have athletic plays, you have WOW plays, but now he’s learning to take on blockers where maybe that isn’t a WOW play. Bounce it to somebody else to make a play. I think that’s what you got to understand.

“Being that down-in, down-out consistent player. Not giving up gaps, not giving up things. And of course he can run and make his plays we know. But what he’s really learning to do is be a very good linebacker. And sometimes that’s making plays, but it’s also not giving up plays and fitting so other guys can make plays.”

Lastly, Jimbo Fisher wrapped up by noting the two differing definitions of production.

“Everybody talks about how productive they are. Production for a coach and production for the outside world sometimes two different things. How they fit, what the responsibilities is on that play? I always want to make a tackle but I got to fit my gap. Take on the blocker and if it spills to the safety, makes it to the corner or the other backer, those are things he is doing a much better job at.”