2018 3-Star WR Jalin Cooper Has Strong Connection With WSU Coach Derek Sage

Washington State extended an offer Wednesday night to 2018 three-star Medina (N.Y.) wide receiver Jalin Cooper with inside wide receivers coach Derek Sage having previously built a strong relationship with him at Toledo.

Cooper said having that relationship already established helps his interest in the Cougars as he learns more about the school.

"It's a big one," Cooper told Rivals of the Pac-12 offer. "I was really close with coach Sage when he was at Toledo, so it great that we can have that connection again. The way he believes in me.

"Also the way he was so upfront with me. He never told me anything false. He told me the truth and I respected that."

The three-star prospect also holds offers from Wake Forest, Boston College, Syracuse and others with WSU being his lone Pac-12 offer. Beyond his list of current offers Cooper is keeping things simple early in the process and listening to what each school has to offer.

However, the Cougars offer Mike Leach and the Air Raid offense, something most receivers including Cooper find appealing.

"It's pretty awesome," Cooper said of the Cougars offense. "Definitely with the head coach being like the founding father. I think it would have a big impact for sure."

Being from New York the question arises: Is Pullman too far from home for the three-star receiver?

"It won't have a huge impact because I don't mind going too far," Cooper said. "[But] it's going to be hard fitting that trip in my schedule."

Cooper said he has visits planned to Boston College, Connecticut, Toledo, Wake Forest and Syracuse coming between the spring and summer. The three-star receiver will visit UConn on March 4 and Boston College March 25.