High School Football Spotlight: Cooper Rusk, WR, Nordonia High School

Cooper Rusk WR 6’0” 180

Nordonia HS 

1- You had a pretty good 2020 season even with all the questions the season brought with it. 55 catches 802 yards with 9 Td’s. What have you done during the off-season to help you become a better player?

Man, this off-season has been a pretty crazy one. My grind includes upwards of ~10 workouts per week. Not only lifting but also speed training with my speed coach Mark Harris and WR work with Glenn Campbell. I almost don’t like my Junior film anymore because of how much better of a player I feel I am right now.

2- Feeding off of the first question. What goals have you set for yourself as well as for the team?

I want 1200 yards receiving this year. An All-State Appearance as well. My team goals included winning a playoff game. I haven’t done so in my high school career and that’s something I want us to strive for.

3- Nordonia ended the season at 5-5 last year as well as going out on a two-game losing streak. How important is it for you guys to start the season with a win this year?

Win. It’s always important to win every game, at any point of the season. With that being said, this team is young. A loss week 1 or 2 isn’t the end for us.

4- Over your career at Nordonia which win sticks out the most as well as the loss that sticks out the most?

That game vs Wadsworth this past season really sticks out to me. I may not have done much that game, but I’m not sure there was a time we played better as a complete unit that entire season. 700 yards of offense doesn’t lie. The loss vs Riverside in the 1st round of the playoffs really still hits deep with me. As a freshman, I didn’t understand, but now I see how important that stuff is not only for the team but for the school as a whole

5- Wide receiver or free safety which one do you like play the most? And why?

I’m a receiver. I love defense, was always better at it coming up. But as soon as I started playing varsity as a freshman at receiver that as flipped me over to the offensive side. All of my out-of-team work is done at receiver.

6- Do you play any other sports for Nordonia?

I started varsity my sophomore year on the basketball team but took the year off my junior year to focus on football. We may see a return though, for my senior year. Look out!

7- Do you plan on playing football at the college level?

No doubt about that. I’ll be playing 5 more years somewhere.

8- Have you heard from any schools? If so would you name one or two?

I currently hold offers from Wheeling University and Lake Erie College, but I’m really pushing for a Miami(OH) offer and I also hear from Butler and a couple of other schools like them.

9- What is your favorite type of music?

I’m a hip-hop guy through and through. My go-to right now is Working a Fool by the Migos. Been really loving the Culture 3 vibes recently.

10-What class is your favorite?

English is my favorite, but specifically writing. I can write a MEAN essay.