Alabama Football G04 vs Florida 2014

Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) beats Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves, III for a TD during the third quarter of the Florida at No. 3 Alabama football game, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014.

(Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com)

It was best on best.

The late September afternoon in Bryant-Denny Stadium featured Alabama's Amari Cooper facing Florida's star sophomore cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III. The two chatted a little over the summer, but last year's meeting was the first time they saw each other on the field.

Cooper won. His 10 catch afternoon netted 201 yards and three touchdowns as Alabama overcame turnovers for the 42-21 win. Almost a year later, Hargreaves represented the Gators at SEC Media Days and that game came up. Asked who the toughest receiver he'd faced, the Sporting News first-team All-American didn't hesitate.

"Amari Cooper," he said. "Without a doubt."

He listed a few reasons to support the quick answer.

"Because he could do anything," Hargreaves said. "He's fast, strong, he can catch, he can break tackles. He's just extremely tough."

Cooper caught every kind of pass that afternoon. There was a 79-yard touchdown, but that came against zone coverage with Hargreaves not involved. He caught a few fades and some in traffic across the middle.

Of Cooper's touchdowns, Hargreaves was in coverage for just one. But it stood out. With Alabama up just a touchdown late in the third quarter, a Jacob Coker lofted a pass from the four-yard line. The two battled for the jump ball, but Cooper came down with it.

"Most guys, I was in OK position. I was in good enough position to get the ball out. Most guys and most of the time, I'm getting it out. I like my style to get it out, but just not against Cooper."

In the broadcast booth, the reaction was brief.

"My gracious," said CBS' Verne Lundquist.

After the win, Cooper was asked about the secret to beating Hargreaves in coverage. The typically stoic receiver more than smiled when answering.

"I don't want to share that," he said with a rare laugh.

Hargreaves was quick to congratulate Cooper after the game, a move that impressed the eventual Heisman Trophy finalist.

Hargreaves chuckled Monday when asked one final question about Cooper.

"I'm definitely glad he's gone," he said.