A VHSCA first-team all-state selection at wide receiver, junior Anthony Cooper is more than just an offensive presence for Bayside (Virginia Beach, VA). The 6-0, 180-pound prospect made a huge impact on offense, defense, and special teams this past season for the Beach district and Division 6 Eastern region champion Marlins.

“College coaches just look at him and like his ability,” Marlins head coach Darnell Moore said. “He’s a playmaker on both sides of the ball. He had two punt returns for touchdowns last year. He had a kick return for a touchdown. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns. He ran one in on offense and had seven touchdown receptions. He had five interceptions to go along with all of that. He’s a playmaker.”

Cooper’s first start on the varsity level, Bayside’s 2009 season opener against Green Run, was a memorable one.

“After my first game at Green Run, when I made the game-winning touchdown catch, Coach Moore said I had the chance to be one of the top players in the state,” recalled Cooper, who hauled in a 60-yard touchdown pass in addition to the game-winning 15-yard touchdown catch. “From that day on, I could see for myself that I could make the next level.”

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