At 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, Johnathan Vanwinkle isn’t the biggest linebacker around. But the Cooper senior plays — and occasionally talks — like he’s 6-3, 220.

A hard-hitting outside backer who pursues the ball like he’s shot out of a cannon, Vanwinkle enjoys making plays and letting those with whom he shares the field know about it.

It’s all part of his plan to bring energy and effort to everything he does — and in doing so, try to raise the level of his teammates’ play in the process.