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ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — Amari Cooper has been preparing for his first NFL practice ever since he was a 5-year-old in the backyard running patterns and catching passes from his buddies.
The hard work that began about 15 years ago helped develop Cooper into one of the top receivers in college football and the fourth overall pick in last week's NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Cooper had his first chance to validate that selection on Friday, the opening day of the Raiders' three-day rookie minicamp. Cooper was joined by Oakland's nine other draft picks, 14 undrafted free agents, eight first-year players and several others who were trying out to make the team.
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