Niko Cooper

Defensive end Niko Cooper (48) of the WKU Hilltoppers at Jerry Richardson Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Charlotte, NC. Photo by Steve Roberts/WKU Athletics

Photo by: Steve Roberts/WKU Athletics

Height:
6-5
Class:
Redshirt Senior
Hometown:
Memphis, Tenn.
Prev School:
Hutchinson CC/Nebraska
High School:
Douglass HS

WKU Career | 39/12: Cooper played in 39 games over three seasons with the Hilltoppers and started 12 games. He recorded 60 tackles during that timeframe, with 43 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, two passes defended, and a forced fumble.

2023 (r-Sr.) | 13/11: Cooper appeared in all 13 games for the Hilltoppers with 11 starts. He totaled 39 tackles, with 25 solo stops, three tackles for loss, and a sack. Cooper had three quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. Had a career-high seven tackles in the season opener against USF, a 41-24 Hilltopper win. Cooper had a career-high two tackles for loss in WKU's Sept. 23 game at Troy.

2022 (r-Jr.) | 13/1: Cooper played in 13 of 14 games for the Hilltoppers in 2022, including the first start of his WKU career. He made 12 tackles on the season, including a season-high three in WKU's win at Hawaii. Cooper also forced a fumble in that game, which contributed to the Tops' defense leading the nation in forced turnovers on the year.

2021 (r-So.) | 13/0: Cooper played in 13 of WKU's 14 games during a season that saw the Tops win C-USA East Division and Boca Raton Bowl Championships. The Memphis product made nine tackles on the year, including one for loss. His best game of the season came in the bowl game against Appalachian State when he recorded three tackles.

Before WKU: Cooper played in each of the final seven games for Nebraska in 2020. He finished the season with three tackles, all on kickoff coverage units. Earned Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll recognition during the fall semester. Joined the Cornhuskers after spending two seasons at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. Redshirted in 2018, then totaled 24 tackles for the Blue Dragons in 2019. Had nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks while forcing a pair of fumbles. Was ranked as a three-star recruit, and 247Sports listed him as the No. 3 weakside defensive end prospect from the junior college ranks. Chose Nebraska after also taking visits to Kansas State, Texas Tech and Maryland, according to Hutchinson head coach Rion Rhoades.