By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

You have to like and respect a young man when he will play whatever position the team needs him to play to help the program win, and that’s Cooper DeFatta of Loyola College Prep.

I have him as a slot/wide receiver for college because he makes things happen in space and if the college coaches come around, I think that is where he can perform at the next level.

This kid played linebacker/running back in 2021 and on defense led the team in tackles with 104, three for loss, and two fumble recoveries.

On offense in 2021 he had four catches for 97 yards, 154 yards rushing and two TDs, and 29 yards passing with one touchdown. This year he will be a full-time quarterback for the team because that’s where they need him to have the best chance to win week after week.

I think he’s perfect for slot/wide receiver in college at 5-11, 185 to 190 with legit 4.55 speed to 4.6 in the 40, and he looks faster on the field in pads.

DeFatta, if he can just learn route running in college and perfect his hands, has Julian Edelman (New England Patriots) size and speed to become a slot in college. Remember Edelman was a quarterback in college at a small Division I school back when they let quarterbacks under 6-feet get a shot for a quarterback position — unless you’re Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson or Drew Brees, and there aren’t many like those three.

I am sure he could play defensive back, running back, outside linebacker or quarterback at some of the smaller Division II or Division III colleges, but if he wanted to go DI, FCS or FBS, that’s perfect for him as a wide receiver.

“Cooper’s greatest strengths are his leadership and his willingness to do anything for the good of the team,” said offensive coordinator John Sella. “He has played all over the field the past few years. Last year he got thrown in at linebacker and ended up having a good year defensively while also playing some running back for the team. This year we are looking forward to having him back on offense full time as the quarterback.”

“Cooper DeFatta has one of the highest IQs of any high school football player I’ve been around,” stated wide receivers coach Sherrod Lewis. ”He’s also a great athlete that can play multiple positions other than slot and wide receiver. His ability to understand defensive coverages and their weaknesses is unmatched. That’s exactly what you’d want in a slot or wide receiver for his ability to get open.”

“In addition to his high IQ, toughness is another trait Cooper possesses,” said Lewis. “He’s going to give you 110 percent every single play whether he is getting the ball or not. Nor being afraid to mix it up with linebackers or safeties. He will even block and run the football if we ask him too. Cooper is a great all-around football player and I think he’s going to have a great senior season.”

DeFatta has admiration for the men who have coached him.

“Coach John Sella, my offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, and I work really well together. I’ve been fortunate enough to be in his offensive scheme since my freshman year and he is also the head Lacrosse coach, so we are working together year-round and know how each other thinks. He is one of the few coaches I’ll have had for all four years of high school, and I’m excited to be running his offense this year in football.

“My wide receivers coach Sherrod Lewis started coaching me my freshman year and was my JV coordinator for two years,” said DeFatta. “He has been a big part of my growth as a player – both in my confidence and on field performance.

“He is not affiliated with Loyola Prep but another very influential quarterback coach is Jeff Harper. He has been helping me since I was in sixth grade. From a quarterback perspective, he is probably one of the most influential people I have had push me, and his football IQ is off the charts.

“Overall, all three of them have helped me become a better person and leader by their actions both on and off the field,” said DeFatta.

Notes on Cooper DeFatta: He carries a 4.5 GPA and has a 35 on the ACT. He plans on majoring in mechanical engineering.

His favorite colleges are Texas A&M, Louisiana Tech, Army and Air Force.

DeFatta lists his hobbies as weightlifting and lacrosse.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com