Cooper Sherrod values leadership. He wants his life to have a purpose.
Sherrod had heard stories about West Point and leadership. But, it all didn’t sink in until the Collierville (Tenn.) offensive lineman stepped on campus over the weekend.
“Immediately the brotherhood, the tradition and the history spoke to me,” Sherrod said.
Sherrod had 13 offers to play FBS football including Air Force and AAC’s East Carolina, Tulane and Memphis. He liked East Carolina and Coastal Carolina. Middle Tennessee State or Arkansas State would be closer to home.
There was something about his initial reaction during the Army visit that made Sherrod want to instantly commit. Sherrod joined Army’s 2026 class at the Knight on the Hudson recruiting event Sunday, giving his verbal to head coach Jeff Monken and offensive line coach Mike Viti.
“I know that West Point, coach Monken and the coaches will help me become a better man,” Sherrod said. “I already don’t want to let them down. I am beyond excited to be a part of the team and I can’t wait for that to happen.”
During his visit, Sherrod immediately bonded with current Army offensive lineman Brady Small, Chuck Johnson and Sam Waters and the coaching staff.
“I realized they (the offensive linemen) were my own kind,” said Sherrod, who was recruited by new Army fullbacks coach Chandler Burke. “They are impressive human beings. Savages.
“The coaches are special. I believe that coach Monken has built something special and is continuing to take the program to new places.”
Sherrod hit it off with Viti and can’t wait to play for the former Army football captain.
“Coach Viti gets me and that means a lot to me,” Sherrod said. “I know he will coach me hard and help me achieve great things. He is an impressive leader and a great man.”
The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Sherrod is also looking forward to working with Army head strength and conditioning coach Conor Hughes.
“He inspires the guys every day and gets 100 percent out of them,” Sherrod said of Hughes. “I have never been around a weight-room environment like the Army weight room. It is loud of full of energy.”
