When national signing day rolled around in February, Steven Cooper’s choices to continue his football career were limited to a few lukewarm walk-on offers.

Then Hal Mumme came calling.

As one of the innovators of the modern spread offense, the newly-hired Belhaven coach immediately had Cooper’s attention. When he offered Cooper a spot on his team, it didn’t take much more for the Vicksburg High offensive lineman to sign on the dotted line.

Cooper officially accepted the offer Thursday, signing to play with Belhaven next season.

“It’s a good day. It’s kind of late, but you’ve just got to wait sometimes,” Cooper said. “It’s a great university. They’ve got everything I’m looking for in a school, a great coach. I’m ready to be a Blazer.”

Belhaven will spend one more year as a member of the NAIA before transitioning to NCAA Division III membership. Division III schools do not give athletic scholarships, but Cooper said a combination of grants and academic scholarships will take care of most of the cost of tuition.

Cooper has a 3.02 GPA and is an Eagle Scout.

“It’s hard to say what you’re getting the money for, but you’re getting it,” Cooper said with a laugh.

Cooper was a three-year starter on Vicksburg’s offensive line. He played guard his sophomore season before moving to tackle the last two years.

At 6-foot-1 and 255 pounds — on the small side by college standards — Cooper will likely move back to guard at Belhaven. His speed, intelligence and football savvy will make up for whatever he lacks in bulk, VHS assistant coach Bubba Nettles said.

“Steve has perfected the ability to pass protect. He’s going to roll with it from day one. He’s football smart, and smart in general,” said Nettles, Vicksburg’s defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach for the past three seasons. “If they keep him on the interior, he’ll be fine. If he works like he has all three years, he’ll be a star.”

Getting a chance to play in Mumme’s system should help, too.

Mumme became famous for creating the record-setting “Air Raid” offense during his tenure at Kentucky from 1997 to 2000. He helped make Tim Couch the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft, largely through the spread offense that uses a large number of short, quick passes.

That style of offense plays to Cooper’s strengths as a pass blocker, he said.

“It’s real appealing. I’ve always wanted to learn more about the spread,” Cooper said. “I love the spread because you can’t predict what the offense is going to do.”