Cooper Monk is a long, rising Illinois State tackle with real Big Sky trench appeal
In the 2026 season, Cooper Monk is a redshirt freshman offensive lineman at Illinois State listed at 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, giving the Redbirds the kind of frame coaches love to develop on the edge. He arrived out of Manteno, Illinois, with a reputation as a big, athletic lineman and a family sports background that suggests good competitive wiring. The key appeal is upside: he’s the classic “build him, don’t borrow him” OL prospect, with size and developmental runway that can fit a program looking for length, toughness, and future starting potential.
