Chapel Hill, N.C. - University of North Carolina offensive guard Jonathan Cooper had successful surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday (Jan. 18) to alleviate chronic inflammation he endured throughout the 2011 season.  

The surgery was performed by Dr. Jeff Spang at UNC Hospitals.  Cooper's status will be updated at the beginning of UNC's spring practice in March.

 

As a junior in 2011, Cooper started all 13 games and was one of the team's top offensive linemen.  

Cooper helped pave the way for Giovani Bernard to become the first 1,000-yard rusher at UNC since 1997.  A native of Wilmington, N.C., Cooper is Carolina's most experienced player with 35 career starts.  

In addition, UNC true freshman Shakeel Rashad had knee surgery Thursday (Jan. 19) to repair the meniscus in his right knee.  Rashad, a January enrollee, will not participate in spring practice and should return to action in approximately four months.