To say Zerrick Cooper was excited about his return to the field might be an understatement.

In July, before the start of his junior season at Jonesboro High School, Cooper went down with a torn ACL. He was forced to sit out the entire season, which was supposed to be his first as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback.

Two games into his senior season, the Clemson commitment has thrown six touchdown passes. And, more importantly, Jonesboro is 2-0.

“It feels good, coming off the injury, able to come out and (start) strong,” Cooper said.

For the four-star quarterback, winning those first two games is the most satisfying part, particularly last Friday’s at Sandy Creek.

“Being able to beat the No. 4 team in the state of Georgia, that should be able to spark up our season,” Cooper said.

According to Cooper, he’s picking up where he left off almost two years ago.

“I just wanted to go back to my sophomore year, finish how I played, come off strong, throw touchdowns, basically come back better than I was before,” he said.

Members of the Clemson staff have sent congratulatory messages and texts. Cooper hopes those continue to roll in over the next four months.

“Trying to get to the (Georgia) Dome at the end of December,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll be in the Dome and getting a ring.”

On Saturday, Cooper will visit Clemson for the season opener against Wofford.