Four-star recruit Cooper spurns Illinois, chooses Nebraska

The 2010 Illinois football recruiting class took a hit Wednesday morning when Corey Cooper signed to play for Nebraska next fall.

Donning a blue and scarlet hat, the safety from Maywood, Ill., signed his letter of intent for the Cornhuskers at a signing day press conference at Proviso East High School. Cooper, a four-star recruit according to rivals.com, originally committed to Illinois in the spring of 2008 as a sophomore but opened up his recruitment this past year.

Citing the recent coaching turnover and potential future instability, Cooper decided against playing for the Illini.

“It was a tough decision to make because of the relationships I have with these coaches that have gone on for around two years now,” Cooper said. “It’s hard to tell them no, but I had to do what’s best for me.”

Cooper’s decision came down to Nebraska and Illinois, with Arizona and Notre Dame also in the mix. Cooper said he made up his mind on Saturday and informed the coaches of the other schools of his decision.

“Illinois was the hardest to call and tell them I’m signing with Nebraska,” Cooper said. “They were the first ones to recruit me, and I felt at home there, but I was committed to the coaches, not the program.”

After a combined 8-16 record in the past two seasons after a 2007-08 Rose Bowl appearance, Illinois fired four offensive coaches, including offensive coordinator Mike Schultz and receivers coach Jim Pry. The Illini also recently hired a new defensive coordinator in Vic Koenning.

“The coaching turnover was a big reason why I chose Nebraska,” Cooper said. “Nebraska has a lot more stability. I know what I’m going to get when I get there.”

Cooper said that Illinois’ recent struggles didn’t factor in his decision.

“It didn’t come down to the wins and losses because that happens,” Cooper said. “The stability of the staff just was something that I just wasn’t comfortable with.”

Cooper, who was a consensus all-state selection this past year, registered 50 tackles, two interceptions and 15 pass breakups as a senior. He also saw time at receiver, hauling in 41 catches for 700 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Rivals.com rates Cooper as the 20th-best safety prospect in the nation and the sixth-best overall prospect in the state.