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Idaho Enterprise

Local Athlete Cooper Jones Signs Letter of Intent with University of Montana Western

The Bulldogs of the University of Montana Western gained an MHS Dragon to add to their football team as senior Cooper Jones committed to play football for the division II team February 7.

Cooper Jones, son of Chris Jones and Emily Smith, has always loved playing football and dreamed of someday playing beyond high school.  As a young boy, he had opportunities to meet and learn from NFL players that fueled his dream.  Like any dream, it has required a lot of hard work and effort throughout the years, but he is beginning to see that hard work paying off.

 With the help and support of his family and coaches, Chris worked to contact football programs across the country to show his interest in playing college football.  He compiled a highlight video along with statistics to send to colleges, hoping to hear feedback of how he could be a better player and ultimately, what it would take for him to accomplish his dream.

 In the summer of 2021, Cooper was able to attend a college football junior day, along with other college hopefuls, to show off his skills and agility to several football coaches.  There he met coaches from Montana Western and became interested in playing for the Bulldogs. 

 For several months Cooper has been receiving offers from several colleges, including Kansas, Texas, North Dakota, and Arizona, but it was the offer from Montana Western that piqued his interest.  Cooper, family and friends made the trek north to Dillon, Montana February 6 to tour the campus and meet members of the coaching staff and football team.  

 It was on that campus visit that the Bulldogs offered Cooper a place with their team to play as wide receiver and defensive back along with a four year, full ride scholarship.  Without hesitation, Cooper committed and is excited for the new possibilities awaiting him as a University of Montana Western Bulldog.  

 Throughout Cooper’s time playing football, his dad, Chris Jones has noticed how he is always trying “to grab a kid and help him along.”  While his own learning and progression in the game was important, it was also important for him to be able to help someone else along the way.  Even as he was signing to play for the Bulldogs, Cooper said to a friend, “Now I can come back and help you get better.”  Chris also shared, “The whole family is overwhelmed with pride and joy at Cooper’s hard work and accomplishments.”