27 Aug 2024 501 Football Team 2024: Quinton Cooper – Malvern

Each time Malvern senior lineman Quinton Cooper admires the Class 4A state championship ring on his finger, he’s reminded of how far he’s come to get to where he is today.

“I have played football since first grade,” he said. “My dad watched football and that’s what drew me to the game. Two years ago, giving my dad a show to watch as we beat Harding Academy for the state championship will always be my favorite football memory.”

The Leopards’ title defense ended in the Class 4A quarterfinals last season. Former Head Coach John Fogleman returns to lead the team this fall, and Cooper is excited about new possibilities.

“I don’t care to be the center of attention,” he said. “I want to be remembered as someone who supported his teammates and was there for them.”

Next year, Cooper will continue playing football on Saturdays. The All-Conference and All-State honoree has already received offers from Arkansas State University, Harding University and Hendrix College and expects more to come this season.

“My plan is to go to college, play football and set myself up financially for later in life,” he said. 

Aside from football, Cooper enjoys playing piano, riding bikes, writing books and music and working out. His advice for student-athletes is simple: Keep your head up and never stop moving toward your dreams.

“Work hard and stay positive about the path you know is going to be the best solution for your present and future self,” he said.