Crimson & Gray Awards | 

INDIANA, Pa. – Football offensive lineman Ethan Cooper (Steelton, Pa. /Central Dauphin East) has been named the 2016-17 IUP Men's Senior of the Year. The award was announced on Tuesday, June 13 by the IUP Athletic Department.
 
The award is part of the newly established Crimson & Gray Awards, which recognize the top athletes, coaches, teams and performances of the IUP Athletics season.
 
The Senior of the Year Award is in its first year of existence.
 
Cooper wrapped up his IUP career in the fall as a two-time All-American, and proved to be one of the best overall players in Division II, as he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent at the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft.
 
Cooper earned All-American honors from D2Football and from the Don Hansen Football Gazette in 2016, as he anchored one of the best offensive lines in the country. Moving over to right tackle to make 12 starts, he led the way for an offense that finished fourth in Division II with an average of 279.8 rushing yards per game.
 
A three-year starter, Cooper earned all-league honors from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) three times, was a two-time all-region pick, and ended his career with 37 consecutive starts at the left guard and right tackle positions.
 
Cooper was invited to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and NFL Combine this spring in preparation for his professional career. He was the only offensive lineman added by the Steelers via draft, rookie free agency, or veteran free agency, and is currently going through his first professional mini-camp in Pittsburgh.
 
Up next
The 2016-17 IUP Men's and Women's Teams of the Year will be announced Wednesday.
 
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