Why Indiana fans should not be concerned with Omar Cooper Jr.'s NFL draft decision

Why Indiana fans should not be concerned with Omar Cooper Jr.'s NFL draft decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Hoosiers are in the middle of ushering in a new era of football under soon-to-be third-year coach Curt Cignetti. In doing so, the defending national champions will look a little bit different this fall, particularly at the wide receiver position.

Former Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza had a security blanket wideout in Omar Cooper Jr., who announced Monday he'd be declaring for the NFL draft.

"I'm proud to represent my city and my state, and these last four years in Bloomington have meant everything to me. This program has pushed me, shaped me, and gave me memories I'll carry forever," Cooper wrote.

Among the heartfelt six-paragraph message, he credited the Hoosiers for making him a better receiver, teammate, and person.

Cignetti said recently he had seen growth in Cooper Jr., too.

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"He's really good after the catch, and just has a lot of potential and ability," Cignetti said via 247 Sports. "And he's become more consistent. Still has more consistency, steps in consistency he can take. But I've seen him really progress and evolve."

With Cooper Jr. departing for the NFL, it will be up to other targets to fill the void for newly minted quarterback Josh Hoover. Hoosier fans shouldn't be worried, however, as the team retains wide receiver Charlie Becker and added former Michigan State speedster Nick Marsh in the transfer portal.

The Hoosiers, along with the other 17 Big Ten programs, will have their full conference schedules released Tuesday afternoon, officially beginning the countdown to the fall.

It remains to be seen whether the Big Ten can make it four national titles in a row, but it appears the Hoosiers have set themselves up for success, at least to be in the thick of a possible repeat.

By August, the Indiana football renaissance will enter a new chapter.

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