IMG Academy 2017 kicker Cooper Graham is getting interest from Clemson, and his strong leg could fill a need for the Tigers in the future.
Kickoff coverage was Clemson’s kryptonite at times last season, making it critical for Clemson to consistently kick the ball in the end zone for touchbacks.
That’s exactly what Graham has done for IMG through two games.
“So far, I’m 100 percent (on touchbacks),” Graham told The Clemson Insider after IMG’s 26-7 win over Grayson at Grayson High on Saturday. “I’ve kicked nine kickoffs, and I’m nine for nine so far. Hopefully I can keep it going.”
Several of Graham’s touchbacks against Grayson sailed through the end zone. Graham also made field goals of 34 and 37 yards in the game, though he did miss an extra point.
Graham said Clemson has expressed interest.
“I’ve just been sending coach (Danny) Pearman my film, and he’s been interested in me,” Graham said. “Hopefully we can get an official visit set up.”
Graham plans to attend a game at Clemson this fall. IMG has a bye on Sept. 30, the weekend of Clemson’s game against Louisville.
“On our bye week, I’ll definitely go up and watch a game,” Graham said.
Graham and teammate Mike Jones, Clemson’s first commit in the 2018 class, have discussed the possibility of playing together at Clemson in the future.
“We’ve been talking, for sure,” Graham said. “I would love to play with him. He’s a heck of an athlete.”
Graham is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the nation’s No. 10 kicker in the class of 2017.