Spotlight Athlete: Cooper Kraus #52

SPORTS: Football

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

Since I can remember I have loved football. My first words as a baby were “Touch Down”. My entire family has played college football and my granddad played pro. All of them have coached at the high school level. So we live and breathe football in this family.

I love tackling. Love hitting and the physical nature of the game. I am really competitive. Have been since I can remember. If I am not good at something I will keep working until I master it. Underneath it all what motivates me is making the tackle. Seeing the back in the hole and knowing I am going to smash him and make the play. 

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

Knowing that I am with God every step of the way. Believing that he is with me and my team watching over. Giving us strength.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

Proverbs 27:17 Iron Sharpens Iron

I live in the weight room. Lift every day almost. I believe it has strengthened me to excel on the field. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

Arizona 5A First Team All State and Regional Defensive Player of the Year. Two goals I set for myself and achieved. Team Captain. Being the Captain of our team meant a lot to me.

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

We played the toughest schedule in Arizona 5A and I lead the entire state of Arizona in tackles after 11 games and was 12th in the nation. Playing tough teams and still producing and making plays sets me apart.

Skills wise I think my vision and reaction at the snap of the ball. I spend a ton of time watching film and knowing by formation what they run and who is coming to block me. Good beating blocks by knowing when to avoid them and when to destroy them. I think I use inside out leverage well and get to the ball no matter where on the field.

What skills are you most focused on improving?

Right now strength and speed. My hands need a lot of work but I do well in both man or zone coverage. I think every year getting faster and stronger is the key. Each level you move up the speed of the game increases and I have to work on rising to the top of that level.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

Well we are in the offseason right now, but As a senior I get out of school usually by noon. I come home and start on my gallon of milk a day that I drink. Eat a big meal and sleep for an hour or so. Then lift for two hours and do Plyos. 3-4 times a week I will head to the track and do sprint work and football drills with my brother and teammates.

Come home eat a big dinner and relax a couple hours before bed. Have my second weight gainer and eat a couple times before I go to sleep.

Usually get up an hour before school eat breakfast and take a weight gainer in the morning.

Typical week I will do 6 lifts, 4 plyo workouts, and 3-4 days at the track working speed and agility. Weekends I will usually go to the lake or hang out with my friends in the evening.

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

Play College ball somewhere. Working on figuring out which school to commit to. Have 40 offers currently and trying to narrow that down and do visits next month. Next year I want to find a football program and develop even further. Work hard to earn field time and win games.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

Think this has been hard and stressful to make a choice on a school. Lots of unknowns. I think once I visit the schools I should be able to figure out where to go play. All these offers have been blessings just choosing a good fit for me is tough. Another factor I am looking at is cost. I don’t know any a lot of debt. All my offers right now are D2, NAIA, D3 and JUCO. So help narrowing down the fit in the program and the debt will be very helpful.

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

Weight room and speed training. Do track. Wrestling. Play other sports but do not forget the weights. Work hard for your goals and don’t lose sight of them.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

Luke Kuechly

Smartest player on the field. Flew to the ball and made plays all over.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

What can I get better at? After they watched my film.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

My brother Jax will be the next record setter at Buena!