On Saturday Deandre Cooper shattered a record that was held for over 42 years. Otis Taylor held the all-time receiving yard record in a single season, with 1,015.
With his nine catches and a 104-yard effort in the loss against the Abilene Christian Wildcats, Cooper passed Taylor with a total of 1,042 yards. Cooper only needed 80-yards going into the game to break the record. Asked if he was playing to break the record, he said, “no.”
“I knew going into this game that I was coming for the record. My mindset was to get the win, and if I broke the record I broke it.”
Cooper was born in Houston, Texas, where he started playing football at the age of 10. He knew since ninth grade that football is what he wanted to do. “I had so much passion for the game and if I could make money doing what I love to do, I figured I would give it a shot.”
He graduated from Smiley High School and started his career here at Prairie View A&M University. Cooper did not play the 2008 season and was redshirted due to a season-ending neck injury, which also kept him out of the 2009 season.
Cooper made his debut in 2010 and played defensive back and finished with eight tackles on the season. His season-high was three tackles against Alabama A&M.
In 2011 Cooper caught 23 receptions for 244 yards and three touchdowns on the year. He averaged 11 yards per catch and caught his first collegiate touchdown versus Bethune-Cookman.
Going into the 2013 season, Cooper was granted his sixth year from the NCAA. His focus was to leave everything on the field and win. “I was blessed to be granted my sixth season so I want to take advantage of it and contribute as much as I can to my team.”
He has recorded a total of 79 receptions, which was also a record and 1,042 yards. He has a total of 12 touchdowns on the season with the longest one being a 93-yarder.
Asked what the moment felt like when he found out he broke the record, he said all he could do was thank the God. “When I caught the touchdown, I ran off the field and automatically kneeled down and prayed. Because without Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Cooper plans to go to the NFL but said he has a lot of work to do before he is ready. “I plan to workout for pro day and better my chances of getting drafted or being a free agent in the NFL.”
Prarie View A&M
Tuesday, June 24, 2025