Cooper, Wilhelm enjoying new status

Saturday, May 05, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Photo Gallery: 2007 Mini Camp

As linebacker Stephen Cooper walked into the Chargers locker room Friday morning, he was struck by a lot of little changes.

“We’ve got new helmets, new uniforms in our lockers,” Cooper said.  “I’ve got a new position coach and coordinator.  It’s a whole new year which is nice because this is a big one for me.  I’ve got a whole new opportunity.”

That new opportunity comes in part because of another observation Cooper made as he peruses the locker room.  The lockers across from him that were previously occupied by veterans Randall Godfrey and Donnie Edwards are now the homes of rookies Scott Chandler and Legadu Naanee.  The departure of the veterans as well as the continual development of Cooper and Wilhelm has the young guys penciled in as starters in one of the NFL’s most talented defenses. 

“This is our opportunity to show ourselves on the field and prove that we can be starters in this league,” Wilhelm said.  “It’s something that I’ve felt I could do a long time ago but I’ve waited my turn.  Here it is, so it’s time for me to step up.  We both have to step it up.”

Patience is paying off for Cooper and Wilhelm.  Both players have had significant roles on special teams throughout their first four years in the NFL but have had to wait their turn on defense.  Although they had the talent, they found themselves waiting behind another pair of solid veterans.

“It’s not like there was a slouch in front of me and I wasn’t doing my part,” Wilhelm said.  “I had great players in front of me.  That’s given me an opportunity to learn.  I’ve dabbled a little bit on defense but for the most part I’ve just had to be ready for this opportunity when it did arrive.  Here it is and I’m ready to roll.”

Cooper and Wilhelm both have big shoes to fill, but in different ways.  Cooper looks to become the enforcer of the defense.

“Whenever we needed a big hit, Randall would stick his nose in and light someone up,” Cooper said. “I’ve got to bring that attitude.  I love the thought of filling that role.”

Wilhelm becomes the quarterback of the position.  The “Mike” linebacker is responsible for making the defensive calls and getting everyone aligned properly.  He’s also in the middle of a defense that filters many plays to his position and requires him to make the tackle.

“Being the signal caller and huddle caller and running with the first team gives me some confidence,” Wilhelm said.  “The defense is built for my position to succeed, make a lot of plays, interceptions and tackles.  I feel like I can step up on that level.  I’ve got a huge responsibility.”

Cooper and Wilhelm will also have to step up their games in the locker room.  Godfrey was one of the most respected players on the 2006 team.  Edwards brought 11 years of knowledge and experience to the table as well.

“We’re going to have to be a lot more vocal,” Cooper said.  “We’re both cool with that.  Matt is really well spoken and I think I can fire a guy up with my words.  We’re going to do everything we can to make the transition easy on everyone.”

Added Wilhelm, “Looking in the linebacker room, the oldest guy in there is 28 years old with seven years.  With us being in our fifth year, we’re the second oldest guys in our meeting room.  We learned a lot from Randall’s leadership and Donnie’s playmaking ability.  We think we can carry that over.” 

This weekend’s Mini Camp has given the Chargers’ starting inside linebackers a chance to make a first impression on their new coaches.  To this point, they’ve passed with flying colors.

“The one thing with Coop and with Matt, Ted Cottrell said right after the first practice, ‘We’ve got two guys that really know what’s going on,’” Head Coach Norv Turner said.  “They’ve been around.  They communicate great. They’re very vocal.  I think it’s their time and they’re ready to go.”

The fact that Wilhelm and Cooper are making the transition to the starting lineup together is significant.  The two arrived in San Diego at the same time, Wilhelm as a fourth-round draft choice in 2003 and Cooper as an undrafted rookie free agent.  They became good friends immediately and shared an apartment for a couple of years.  The two believe their cohesiveness off the field will help their play on the field.

“When Randall and Donnie were the starters, Coop and I were with the second group,” Wilhelm said.  “We learned a lot together.  We know how to communicate with each other and we’re already both on the same page.  It makes it so much easier than having a barrier.  The friendship we have both on and off the field only prepares us for Sundays.  We trust each other.  We’re ready to go make plays.” 

Photo Gallery: 2007 Mini Camp