Clemson LB Cooper gives up football

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson reserve linebacker Scott Cooper has given up football because of a neck injury first suffered at Maryland last season.

Tiger coach Dabo Swinney says Cooper had been a big part of the defense the past three seasons. Swinney says Cooper will stay with the team as a student coach.

Cooper played in 12 of 14 games last year. But the injury limited his snaps on defense.

The senior came into fall camp as a backup to Quandon Christian. Junior Daniel Andrews moves up on the depth chart.

The Tigers open the season against North Texas on Sept. 4.