Amari Cooper vs Kevin White: Who’s the best?

Nov 30, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) catches a 99 yard touchdown pass from A.J. McCarron (not pictured) past Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathon Mincy (6) and Jermaine Whitehead (9) in the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Route-Running: Cooper

Cooper is the better route-runner by far as he was asked to run the whole route-tree at Alabama. He’s really explosive out of  his breaks as ran his three-cone drill in 6.71 seconds and 20-yard shuttle in 3.98. Compare that to White running his three-cone in 6.92 seconds and his 20-yard shuttle in 4.14.

Beyond the speed and quickness he has to do these things, he also knows how to set guys up. On more than a few occasions, I’ve seen Cooper spin corners around to get open deep. That’s because like Jerry Rice, he starts every route the same way, leaving his opposing corner guessing, makes his move and bursts past him.

In today’s game, big receivers are going up to get the ball over a corner for big plays down the field. But to maximize a big play or possibly take it to the house, you need separation by a step or two. No matter what type of talent you have, it’s easier to catch a ball after getting wide open anyway.

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