Oklahoma State University Athletics
First Year Back Home: Dalton Cooper’s Move to Oklahoma State
October 05, 2023 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Dalton Cooper grew up in Prague, Okla., and said he always rooted for Oklahoma schools. All he knew for sure was that he didn't want to see Texas schools win.
Ironically, when Cooper developed into a talented offensive lineman at Prague High School, it was Texas State that offered him the best opportunity to play at the collegiate level.
Cooper accepted the challenge and went on to be one of the best linemen in the Sun Belt Conference. He started 36 games at left tackle for the Bobcats and garnered accolades like 2020 Freshman All-America Team and 2021 All-Sun honors.
Upon taking his final exam with Texas State, he entered the transfer portal. He said within moments of that decision, a new opportunity in his home state was on the phone.
"Coach (Charlie) Dickey called me, and he said, 'We need a left tackle and you're the guy we want,'" Cooper said. "I was wanting to come home, so let's just make it work. It was just like that."
Through the first four games of the season, Cooper has already made an impact. He's worked his way into the starting lineup and has found himself branching into other positions on the line, as is customary for all linemen at OSU. While he said he's more comfortable playing on the left side of scrimmage, he's acclimating to playing on the right side when necessary.
"It really helped me gain more confidence to be able to expand my repertoire and be able to play multiple positions," Cooper said.
While he's mainly faced off on the left side of the ball, Cooper said he had been swapping positions since his high school days.
"I went to a small school that ran the ball left and ran the ball right," Cooper said. "I was starting to figure out how to do it then."
As is the case with several football players, and linemen especially, the grind of the game can wear down a player's body. Cooper has dealt with injuries before in the past, and while some injuries linger from his high school days, it's something he's learned to combat and work with.
Cooper has prioritized putting the team on the forefront, even when dealing with lingering injuries.
While his time at OSU is just beginning, Cooper understands the Cowboy culture well. Every game matters in the eyes of the Cowboys, especially with a chance to right the ship in Friday's game against Kansas State. The Cowboys struggled against the Wildcats last season, and while Cooper wasn't on the team at the time, he's aware of the seriousness this game entails.
"I understand the drive they have," Cooper said. "Seeing them push hard makes me want to push harder too. I don't want to be the guy that's lacking and being like, 'I wasn't here last year, so I don't have to care as much.' That's just not the culture we have."
Kickoff for the Cowboys and Wildcats is at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN.
