Penn State OL Cooper Cousins earns fifth star in On3 rankings update
Erie (Pa.) McDowell offensive lineman Cooper Cousins’ recruitment was pretty much over as soon as he picked up an offer from Penn State back in 10th grade. A few months later, back in January of 2022, he became the Nittany Lions’ first commitment in the Class of 2024. Two years later, to the day, he’ll finish the cycle as a five-star prospect.
Cousins was elevated to five-star status on Monday by On3. He will finish the cycle as the Nittany Lions’ top-rated recruit as the No. 27 overall prospect in the class. The move comes after a strong showing on the national level at the All-American Bowl earlier this month. Cousins enrolled at University Park a few days later.
“Cooper Cousins‘ tape is filled with pancakes and tossing defenders out of the club,” On3 National Scout Cody Bellaire wrote following his All-American week. “With that said, we knew he would be physical and feisty, but we didn’t know just how violent he would truly be when facing some of the top competition in the country. Throughout the week, Cousins was powerful at the point of attack. He finished blocks in the run game and was battling through the whistle during one-on-one’s. His movement skills were on full display during 9-on-7 and team periods.
“Cousins showed he could climb to the next level with ease and wall off defenders to clear out running lanes. Among the offensive linemen on hand, Cousins never looked out place or uncomfortable. He handled the step up in competition with flying colors and made his presence felt throughout the entire week of practice.
“The Penn State signee capped off the week with multiple pancakes and strong pass sets during the All-American Bowl. Cousins stepped up to the occasion and proved he can handle blocking some of the most talented players in America.”
The 6-foot-6, 320-pound prospect is also the No. 1-ranked interior offensive lineman nationally and the No. 5 overall offensive lineman. His elevation came after a standout career at McDowell and absolutely no recruiting drama whatsoever.
“He also was, really what I could say about a lot of these guys, he was a high production, highly rated guy who was low maintenance,” James Franklin said of Cousins on National Signing Day. “I mean literally we offered him, they all looked at us, the whole family, you walked around the corner… I think we did this, I want to say it was maybe during COVID or somewhere around that time, because I think we were meeting outside. I’m trying to remember. And he walked away and came back like four minutes later and said, ‘We’re coming.’ And that was the end of it.
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“High-profile guy that knew this is where he wanted to be. The family was comfortable and they never wavered. They never wavered, they were awesome the whole time. He became a leader within the class and helping us get other guys. He’s coming in early and is going to have a chance to compete, so I love him. I do.”
Cousins has the size and athleticism to play tackle, but he’s also snapped and played guard as well. Finding his position is a good problem to have for Franklin and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.
As a leader of the Class of 2024, Cousins has the potential to be many things in Happy Valley.
“Coop’s kind of an unusual guy, right?” Franklin said. “I think, first of all, I think he can play all five positions. You don’t usually see a 6-foot-6, 320-pound guy play center. I think that’s unusual.
“He came to every camp. That was unique. We played him at tackle and he showed he could do it. He’s got a nasty streak, and he doesn’t look like a high school kid. He’s a lean 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, which is unusual.”
