Ole Miss Offensive Lineman Named State’s Best

JACKSON, Miss. – Ole Miss offensive tackle Fahn Cooper has been named the winner of the 2015 Kent Hull Trophy as the most outstanding college offensive lineman in Mississippi, the Sports Hall of Fame and Museum announced Thanksgiving afternoon.

Cooper will accept the award at the C Spire Conerly Trophy banquet Dec. 1 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. He becomes the second straight offensive tackle from Ole Miss to receive the honor. Fellow Rebel Laremy Tunsil claimed the Hull Trophy last season.

“Fahn has been one of the most consistent players on our team this year. He is an extremely tough lineman whose flexibility has been key to our offensive success,” Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze said. “He is extremely valuable and one of our best leaders both on and off the field.”

Cooper has proven to be a vital piece of the Rebel offensive line this season, starting all 11 games for the highest-scoring offense in Ole Miss history. The Crystal Lake, Illinois, native started the first seven games at left tackle in place of Tunsil before moving back to his normal spot at right tackle. While filling in for Tunsil, Cooper earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors, Sept. 28.

As one of the veterans on the line, Cooper has helped Ole Miss lead the SEC in scoring (40.5 ppg) and total offense (518.0 ypg). He has paved the way for 175.5 rushing yards per game to go along with and an SEC-best 342.5 yards per game through the air, providing a clean pocket for quarterback Chad Kelly.

Over the last two seasons, Cooper has started all 24 games. He has made 15 starts at right tackle as well as nine at left tackle since arriving at Ole Miss.

The trophy is named in honor of the late Kent Hull, the former Mississippi State great who went on to play in four Super Bowls for the Buffalo Bills. Mississippi State’s Gabe Jackson, now with the Oakland Raiders, won the inaugural Hull Trophy.

The Kent Hull Trophy winner is selected by a panel including former college coaches, former NFL coaches and scouts and former college players.