EWU’s Cooper Kupp may be headed to NFL, but Saturday’s game is the focus

Cooper Kupp is looking to his future, but for now that doesn’t extend past Saturday.

That’s when Kupp and his Eastern Washington teammates face Portland State in a must-win football game that also could be Kupp’s last as an Eagle.

As fans obsess over the Eagles’ chances to make the FCS playoffs, some have overlooked that possibility that the most prolific receiver in Eastern Washington history may be playing his last game at Roos Field this weekend.

Kupp, a junior, is considering declaring for the NFL Draft, and who could blame him? His stock has soared this year. He’s rated by nfldraftscout.com as the 15th-best wide receiver in the 2017 draft, and shouldn’t be rated that much lower than that if he elects to come out early.

Asked about his plans, Kupp said, “I try not to think about that too much. I honestly don’t know at this point.”

Lauded for his ability to make tough catches over the middle and fight for yards after the catch, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Kupp would appear to be a strong candidate to make an NFL roster as a slot receiver.

“He’s Superman,” Oregon defensive backs coach John Neal said earlier this year. “He’s one of those players that when you watch him, he’s in complete command of everything. … The offense runs through him, so that’s a lot of burden on him but it’s easy for him. He’s gonna find a way to get open.”

Those comments came before Kupp caught 15 passes for 246 yards, an Autzen stadium record. Last month, he had 20 receptions for 270 in a win at Northern Colorado.

Nice numbers, but Kupp is focused on the here and now.

“Any time you start a journey, whether it’s a 5-year journey through college or a one-year season, you have to finish strong, and right now I’m focused on making this the best season it can be,” Kupp said.

For Kupp, that’s meant another record-breaking year: 106 catches, 1,506 yards and 18 touchdowns – all of which are easily the best in the Football Championship Subdivision. For his career, he’s just three TD catches from the FCS mark.

Best of all for his pro prospects, Kupp has shined brightest on the big stage; in three games against Oregon, Oregon State and Washington, Kupp has 510 yards and eight touchdowns on 28 catches.

“I’d be shocked if you could show me a better receiver at any level in the country,” EWU coach Beau Baldwin said.

Tony Pauline of Draftinsider.net put it this way: “If he can run in the low 4.4’s at the combine he could sneak into the draft’s top 100 picks. Otherwise I feel he’ll land in the top half of day three.”

In the same post, Pauline said, “Several sources tell me Kupp will opt for the draft once the season concludes.”

Not so fast, Kupp said. “That’s not a decision I’m going to take lightly, and I’ll get input from friends and family.”

“I’ve loved my time at Eastern Washington,” Kupp said.