Sleeper gets offers, takes trips

Defensive back Duran Cooley (6-2, 210, 4.52) kind of got lost in the recruiting shuffle because the school that he attended and made his name as a football Los Angeles (Calif.) Verbum Dei dropped football. Cooley transferred to Los Angeles (Calif.) Cathedral and fortunately for some schools they found the talented athlete.

Cooley has already taken a visit to Hawaii on January 17th. “Duran had a great trip to Hawaii,” Cathedral offensive coordinator Derwin Henderson. “At this time Duran favors the Warriors because they were the first to offer. They have also been recruiting Duran for some time.”

Cooley will visit Boise State this weekend on January 24th and Arizona has a tentative visit scheduled on January 31st.

Cooley has offers from Hawaii, Boise State and Utah. If Arizona doesn’t trip him look for Utah to try to get in there and snag a visit.

The Washington Huskies are also taking a look and may make a late run for the talented defensive back.

The selling ticket on Cooley is his versatility. Boise State and Utah like him as a Rover or outside linebacker. Arizona and Hawaii like him as a safety.

“Duran is very tough and physical,” Henderson said. “He’s also very athletic and can cover the slot.”

“Duran is a very sure tackler,” Cooley said. “He’s a very intelligent football who has the leadership qualities you like to see.”

Cooley amassed 90 tackles and had five picks from his safety position. He is also a terrific return man who returned three punts and two kicks for touchdowns.