In addition to the three former football players selected in the 2016 National Football League Draft, four former Cougars signed after the event as un-drafted free agents, including offensive tackle Alex Cooper, running back Kenneth Farrow, safety Adrian McDonald and defensive tackle Tomme Mark.
Cooper had his hands full in 2015 when he was tasked with protecting shifty–starting quarterback Greg Ward Jr. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound tackle impressed scouts when he solidified himself as one of the most important components of the Cougars’ offensive line. His performance last season earned him a spot on the 2015 American Athletic Conference Second Team.