Freshman Sukora Cooper Jr. has heads turning from the incredible stats he has put up as a varsity wide receiver at Life High School Oak Cliff (LHSOC). His speed, skill, and on-field awareness have quickly made him a standout on the varsity football team.
Cooper Jr. began playing football at a young age after his dad noticed his high energy and size for his age. He tried several positions—running back, quarterback, and wide receiver—before finding where he truly belonged.
At twelve, a coach recognized his natural ability to catch passes and encouraged him to focus on wide receiver. From that moment, Cooper dedicated himself to mastering the position through consistent training and goal setting. His work ethic soon caught the attention of Coach Welton Johnson, who saw varsity-level potential.
“I saw that kid as a high school starter around 6th or 7th grade,” said Coach Johnson, LHSOC Head Football. “He attacks the ball in the air like I’ve never seen in person.”
That prediction came true when Cooper joined the varsity team. Stepping onto the practice field for the first time, he felt right at home—especially with sophomore quarterback Cam Phillips, who has known him since childhood.
“I knew he was talented before he even got here,” said Phillips. “He creates separation right off the line [of scrimmage] because he’s a mismatch for most corners.”
Determined to earn a starting spot, Cooper pushed himself. The coaches gave Cooper Jr. goals to achieve each week to help him improve as a player and as a leader. He was also asking upperclassmen for feedback, fine-tuning his routes, and embracing every challenge.
“I just stay humble about getting coaching,” Cooper Jr. said. “I’m not where I want to be yet, and I just keep on working at it.”
Off the field, Cooper Jr. is known for his upbeat personality and sense of humor, always bringing energy and positivity to those around him. He is the kind of student who can make anyone laugh but also knows when it’s time to focus. Despite his busy schedule, Cooper Jr. makes academics a priority, showing the same dedication in the classroom that he does on the field.
When the first game arrived, Cooper Jr. looked like he had been part of the varsity team for years. He made an immediate impact, recording six receptions for 191 yards and five touchdowns in his debut. Since then, he has continued to raise the bar.
“Great teammate, great guy to be around,” said Junior Joshua Washington, Wide Receiver. “When his number is called, he’s definitely going to make that play.”
In October, that proved even more essential when the Lions’ starting quarterback suffered a collarbone injury. Despite Cooper’s success as a receiver, he willingly stepped up and now serves as starting quarterback.
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Life School is a tuition-free, public charter school with campuses in Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Mountain Creek, Red Oak, Oak Cliff and Waxahachie, TX. Life School develops leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. Its mission is accomplished in part through the financial support of donors who provide scholarships and embrace making students ready to learn, ready to lead and ready for life.
Parents who are interested in enrollment can visit lifeschool.net/learn-about-life. Partners who would like to support Life School financially can give online at lifeschool.net/give.
