‘Whatever It Takes’ -- Coogan Ready for NFL Opportunity
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Pat Coogan takes a moment to consider what’s coming, what it will all mean, what could happen by the time this week’s NFL Draft is over.
The 6-foot-4, 303-pounder is the former Indiana All-Big Ten center with a big professional football upside and an even bigger understanding of the challenge that awaits.
“In the NFL, the speed of the game increases, the speed of the defensive linemen increases,” he says. “Everything will be faster and quicker.
“You have to show up to rookie mini-camp, show up to the OTA and the regular mini-camp ready to roll with the mindset to attack every day.”
Coogan’s insight comes in part from Alex Boone, a former NFL offensive lineman who runs an intense offensive line training program in Scottsdale, Arizona. Coogan went there after Indiana wrapped up its 16-0, national championship season.
“I learned so much from him on what I need to improve on, and what this NFL game will take to succeed at highest level,” Coogan says. “There are so many things I know I need to improve on, and I’m determined to do so.”
How good was Coogan as a Hoosier? He was named Rose Bowl offensive MVP, something that hadn’t happened to an offensive lineman since 1944. He started all 16 games for a line that was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which goes to the nation’s best offensive line. He allowed just two sacks in 1,228 pass pro snaps with Notre Dame and IU.
The Hoosiers rushed for at least 300 yards in a program-record six games last season, including the first four to open the season.
Coogan projects as a Day 3 fifth or sixth-round pick, with the potential to play center or guard. Analysts praise his toughness, leadership, high football IQ, strong major-college experience (46 college games with 42 starts in four seasons at Notre Dame and one at Indiana) and ability to protect the quarterback.
Coogan played 32 games over the last two seasons, all as a starter.
“It was the longest two years of my life, with two 16-game seasons,” he says. “I don’t know if anyone else has done that being a starter.
“It’s a blessing. I’m blessed to be healthy and be in this position. I feel good. My legs feel fresh. The trainers have taken good care of me. Still, it’s long and has been a grinder.”
Will playing those two 16-game seasons prepare him for the NFL’s 17-game grind?
“I hope so. I have to use it to my advantage. I know what the treatment is and what it takes to pour into such a long season. I know the step up it will take.”
Getting together with many of his former Hoosier teammates during the early April Pro Day was special, Coogan says.
“It was a blast. I had been looking forward to it for months.”
And when the IU Draft hopefuls got their chance to perform in front of coaches and scouts from all 32 NFL teams, Coogan adds, “Everyone was routing for each other. You have everyone’s back. For one last time, you got to show off and have some fun. It was awesome.”
So was watching an Indiana spring practice without having to actually participate in it.
“It was weird,” Coogan says. “You know when a good play is a good play. I focused on center, but it was fun to watch the receivers. I was getting anxious just standing there.”
Bittersweetness followed while reflecting on an unprecedented Indiana season that resulted in its first football national championship.
“I will miss it a ton,” Coogan says. “This was a special group of guys. It will go down in the history books, but we have to start this next chapter and go on to future endeavors. We made so many memories. (The Pro Day) was the last one. It was a great day to be out there with them.”
Wherever he ends up in the Draft, which begins Thursday night in Pittsburgh, Coogan says he’s “ready to do whatever it takes.”
“I’m ready to be a sponge and learn from the vets and whatever organization selects me. I’m ready to attack every day.”