It is no secret that Cooper Kupp is a big deal, not only for EWU, but for the whole Football Championship Subdivision.
Kupp brought home multiple awards from the STATS FCS Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 8, including the STATS FCS Player of the Year award.

The STATS FCS Player of the Year award is the biggest honor given in the NCAA Football Championship subdivision. The award had 25 finalists but Kupp and two others made the final three. Marshaun Coprich from Illinois State University and Kade Harrington from Lamar University were the other finalists. Kupp won the award with a small margin, bringing in 378 votes while second-place Harrington brought in 349.

“Obviously it’s a great honor, especially to be in the final three with this group of great players,” Kupp said in an interview with goeags.com. “When your name is called for an honor like this you are humbled — it wasn’t something I ever imagined happening. Coprich and Harrington had incredible years and that makes this an incredible honor.”

Kupp racked up awards in the off-season, bringing in the FCS Wide Receiver, Walter Payton award and FCS Offensive Player of the Year. He was also selected for STATS All-American first team. Not only is he smart on the field, he is also smart off the field with first team academic All-American Honors being awarded to him as well.

That is just the tip of the iceberg of Kupp’s accomplishments this year. He was also named the Big Sky Offensive MVP. “It is a great honor to be named MVP of a conference that has so many strong teams and players,” Kupp said. “I’m very thankful to be surrounded by players and coaches who push me to be my best day-in and day-out.”

Kupp led the league with 114 receptions, which broke the previous record of 112 in a season and moved to eighth overall of all-time. Overall, he led the FCS in five categories.

Even though Kupp is an NFL candidate, he announced on Nov. 30 that he would be staying with EWU for his senior year. “I believe that God has a plan for me and a great plan for Eastern Washington, and I want to be a part of that. I look forward to this off-season and getting Eastern Washington back into the National Championship,” Kupp said in an interview with goeags.com.

With another season in his future, he may have a good chance at breaking even more significant records. Kupp is ranked second in touchdown catches, only two behind the record and reception yards for the FCS. He is also ranked fourth in total receptions.

“To be recognized in this regard is a by-product of the incredible work ethic he’s had since he arrived here,” said EWU head coach Beau Baldwin in an interview with goeags.com. “His mental toughness is what it comes down to. There are a lot of talented players in this country, but only a few who have the drive, desire, mindset and will at the same level as Cooper. For him to be in this position to receive all these accolades is 100 percent earned.”