Ethan Cooper, who played his high school ball for Harrisburg’s Central Dauphin East and his college ball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania has signed as a priority, undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The key word is priority. Cooper was allegedly also contacted by the Jets, Falcons, Bill and Rams. He told Penn Live that he felt Pittsburgh was the right fit because they followed his career at IUP.
PennLive.com: “I just wanted the opportunity,” Cooper said. “I knew, going in, there was a chance I wouldn’t be drafted. But, I knew that, as long as I got an opportunity, I’d be OK.”
The 6-foot-3, 335-pound guard said he was contacted by a handful of teams as the draft was winding down.
“I had a lot of teams tell me that I was their number one guy (as a free agent),” he said. “The Jets, the Falcons, the Bills and the Rams … and I greatly appreciated all of them calling me, but I felt like Pittsburgh was the best for me.”
Cooper said he chose Pittsburgh, in part, because he knew they followed his career at IUP.
“They were one of my top teams, and when they called me, and had the same interest … it was mutual … I knew that was right,” he said.
Cooper spent the half hour or so after talking with Pittsburgh taking photos and celebrating with family and friends.
We are all stoked to see a local Harrisburg kid make good! Also, Ethan, incase you read this. Paul immediately shot me a text when Ethan got drafted. Both Paul and Tommy are huge Steelers fans, so they’re excited to have him on the team. I see some jersey sales in the future. Oh, and Ethan, we’re always looking for guests on our podcast. Shoot us a DM on twitter at @PointAfterShow.
My brother is officially a Pittsburgh Steeler!!! @ECoop59 pic.twitter.com/E2GaohwQff
— Kevin Brown. (@MuggaKev) April 29, 2017