Blue Cooper isn't particularly nervous about what's going to happen at the Philadelphia Eagles' minicamp this weekend -- not yet anyway.
"I am nervous about getting on that freakin' plane and not knowing where to go when I get there," the former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wide receiver said Wednesday.
The 6-foot-2, 192-pound Cooper was signed by the Eagles last Saturday as an undrafted free agent. He will fly up to Philadelphia today and practice with the team all weekend.
Former Mocs wideout Justin Buckhalter is also going to be at an NFL minicamp. He hasn't been signed, but he has been invited to the Bears' camp.
Cooper had 84 catches as a senior, earning second-team All-Southern Conference honors in his only UTC season not marred by injury. He's one of four undrafted small-school wideouts signed by the Eagles, who drafted Florida receiver Riley Cooper in the fifth round last Saturday.
"I feel like if they give me a year, throw me on the practice squad, put on some weight, I'll be on the roster," Cooper said. "That's honestly how I feel. I don't plan on running up there right now and breaking into the starting spot, but I feel like I can contribute."
Cooper was one of the top wideouts in the FCS last season, so his NFL opportunity isn't a big surprise. Buckhalter's might be.
Buckhalter played in every game during his two seasons at UTC after transferring from Jones Country (Miss.) Community College, primarily on special teams. He started two games and ended his Mocs career with 14 receptions for 136 yards.
He's thrilled to be getting a shot despite his limited production at UTC.
"It's kind of weird because I look at my success at Chattanooga and see that I didn't really have too much, and to get an opportunity like this is pretty big," Buckhalter said.
Buckhalter (6-2, 205 pounds) performed well at UTC's pro day, running the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds and doing the three-cone drill in 7.0. His last name might have helped his chances, too.
Older brother Correll Buckhalter was drafted by the Eagles in 2001 and now plays for the Denver Broncos. Another brother, Chris, was on the Eagles' practice squad in 1996. The Buckhalters also have a cousin, Brandon McDonald, who plays for the Cleveland Browns.
Cooper will miss UTC's graduation Sunday, and if he sticks with the Eagles he might miss his wedding, as well. Cooper and Maci Gault, the sister of former Mocs quarterback Jare Gault, are supposed to get married on June 13.
The Eagles will be conducting another camp at that time, so the wedding might have to be pushed back a week or so, Cooper said.
Extra points
The Mocs have passed the 1,000 mark for season ticket sales. As of Wednesday morning, UTC had sold 1,041. A record 2,527 season tickets were sold last season. ... The Mocs Club will host a Mocs Anglers Bass Classic fundraising fishing tournament June 19 at Chester Frost Park.