COD Football Celebrates Academic Success, NFL Hopefuls

Closing out the 2015-2016 academic year, the College of DuPage Football program is celebrating players' academic success and potential the NFL careers of two former team members.

Following the recent National Football League draft, former Chaparral offensive lineman Fahn Cooper heads to San Francisco. Another alum, wide receiver Johnny Holton, has signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent.

While an NFL career certainly is impressive, head football Coach Matt Foster said COD's program is designed to improve the athletes in and out of the classroom and as people.

Players are expected to attend practices and workouts, and also participate in study hall. The work has paid off. The team finished the 2015-2016 season 8-1, ranking 4th nationally and averaging 37 points per game and accruing 2,232 passing and 1,522 rushing yards. Off the field, the coaching staff recently celebrated 15 players who are members of the program's Champions Club, which recognizes students for their academic success. All 15 members completed the academic year with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with the two highest earning a perfect 4.0. Click here for a full list of Champion Club members.

Additionally, 12 Chaparral players have signed to play at four-year institutions, with another six pending.

With a number of players moving on, recruiting is underway as Foster and his coaching staff continue to build their roster for next season. The 2016-2017 schedule includes the College's third annual homecoming game on Oct. 1 and the inaugural Red Grange Bowl game on Dec. 3.

"This upcoming season - like any season - is about getting the best from our players. We want our students to leave here well-rounded and ready for whatever they choose to take on, whether that be a four-year school, full-time employment or playing professionally," Foster said. "We're excited to host the Red Grange Bowl not only for our players, but for the community as well. Red Grange is a huge name in football, he grew up in Wheaton and played at Wheaton Central, University of Illinois and was a Charter Member of the Chicago Bears. He is an inaugural member of the College and Professional Football Hall of Fame for both his athletic prowess and character.

There was nothing at the Collegiate level honoring our local legend and we are extremely proud to represent his legacy."

Visit www.collegeofdupagefootball.com/home.html on Chaparral Football. Click here for more information on the College's Athletics program.