Colleges

Florida receiver Cooper will also play baseball

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Published February 22, 2008

GAINESVILLE - It worked for him in high school, so apparently Riley Cooper will see how he fares as a two-sport athlete in college.

The Gator sophomore receiver and former Clearwater Central Catholic standout has joined the Florida baseball team, the school announced Thursday. Cooper, an outfielder, will be on the active roster when the Gators open the season tonight against Siena.

Cooper was 15th-round selection of the Phillies in the 2006 major-league draft and was rated the No. 161 prospect in the nation and No. 22 in the state of Florida according to Baseball America.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Cooperhad 182 yards on eight receptions (team-best 22.8 per reception) last season. He has had injuries that include a foot infection, an ankle injury and a broken finger that needed surgery in the fall. UF has not said what Cooper's football status will be when spring practice begins March 19. The last Gator football player to also try baseballwas quarterback Gavin Dickey.

VANITY PLATES: A Georgia House measure would allow special prestige alumni plates only for states that reciprocate in honor of Georgia schools. Florida does not reciprocate. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

[Last modified February 22, 2008, 00:01:48]