Cooper signs with Jacksonville Jaguars to become 49ers’ first NFL pro

Former Charlotte 49ers defensive back Desmond Cooper has signed a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars to become the first UNC Charlotte football player to sign an NFL contract.

Cooper signed the contract shortly after the conclusion of the Jaguars two-day mini-camp.

“It’s a little surreal. It’s a great feeling being able to sign with the team I grew up watching,” said Cooper. “I went at it every day with the mindset I could be cut at any time. Like (49ers head) coach (Brad) Lambert would say ‘Attack the moment. Attack the day.’ I just wanted to get out there and play and be fast. Like (strength coach Jim) Durning always said — if you’re walking, you’re wrong.”

Cooper was a two-year starter for the 49ers’ upstart football program. He joined the 49ers as a transfer from Wake Forest in 2012, as Charlotte was preparing for its inaugural season in 2013. He started at safety for the 49ers in 2013 and 2014, and he was a game captain in both of the 49ers season openers.

“I owe my accomplishments to Niner Nation — the coaches, trainers, teammates, fans — everyone involved,” Cooper said. “Without you guys trusting me to lead the team in the right way and supporting us through it all — without Niner Nation who knows if I would be here today. The road doesn’t stop here, but I can say we are on the map.”

A 6-foot and 2-inch, 215-pound safety, Cooper earned 21 starts and played in all 22 games during the last two years. He had three career interceptions and nine pass break-ups. In 2013, the 49ers ranked 25th in the FCS with 15 interceptions. Charlotte added 13, this past season. Cooper ranks third for the 49ers in career takeaways with four, and he matched a school-record last season with interceptions in two consecutive games.

“It’s been a big time dream,” Cooper had said on Tuesday of landing the NFL mini-camp invite, particularly from his hometown Jaguars. “Growing up watching them — they’ve been my team. It’s my hometown team — so I’m just going to go out and put out my hardest. I’m just excited to get the opportunity — to get to put on the jersey for a few days and see how it works out.”