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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. _ University of Alabama senior quarterback Blake Sims likes to tell his wide receivers, especially the young ones, “Step up, come in, don’t worry about anything. Just get open and trust that I can get the ball to you.”
Trust is one thing. What Sims knows about Amari Cooper is another.
Once again the junior wide receiver had a record-setting night, which at this point will likely happen in every game he plays for the Crimson Tide.
With eight receptions for 135 yards, Cooper notched his fifth-straight 100-yard performance, tying the Crimson Tide record set by DJ Hall in 2006.
“I think everyone is comfortable with the offense,” he said about offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin’s play-calling after Alabama defeated Southern Miss 52-12. “Simple to adjust to and we’re running much more plays than we had during previous years, which is a problem for defenses. I think everyone likes the offense.”
On Cooper’s first reception of the night, a 17-yard gain, he surpassed Ozzie Newsome (2,070 yards, 1974-77) to move into third on the Crimson Tide’s career receiving yards list.
With his next catch, a 22-yard touchdown, he tied Hall for second in all-time scoring receptions, one shy of Dennis Homan’s record of 18 that’s stood since 1967.
Cooper came into the game leading the nation in both receptions and receiving years with 25 catches for 319 yards. With Saturday’s game he has 33 catches for 454 yards. That puts him on pace to shatter both Alabama single-season records.
For his career, Cooper has 137 receptions, fourth all-time, for 2,190 yards.
“It’s good to have him and know that you always have someone open,” Sims added.
Christopher Walsh has covered Alabama football since 2004 and is the author of 19 books. In his free time, he writes about college football.
