Tar Heels OG Cooper has surgery

CHAPEL HILL -- North Carolina offensive guard Jonathan Cooper on Wednesday underwent left shoulder surgery to alleviate the chronic inflammation from which he suffered throughout the 2011 season, the university announced on Friday.

UNC described Cooper’s surgery as “successful.” Dr. Jeff Spang performed the procedure at UNC Hospitals.

Cooper’s status for the start of spring practice in March is not yet known. As a junior in 2011, he started all of the Tar Heels’ 13 games. With 35 career starts, Cooper, a native of Wilmington, is UNC’s most experience player.

-- Andrew Carter