With the injury to sophomore running back Doroland Dorceus, true freshman Jarvis Cooper will be expected to fill that role.
Dorceus had rushed for a team-high 237 yards and four touchdowns on 46 carries through Memphis' first four games of the season.
Brandon Hayes was banged up as well and didn't see action in the 2nd half of the Ole Miss game. His status is still uncertain.
Cooper, 6-foot-1 250 lbs., has been eager to get some playing time.
"He made it very clear that he wanted to play," Coach Fuente said at the weekly press conference.
Against Ole Miss Cooper rushed for 29 yards on 7 carries.
"I was pleased with his demeanor in the game first of all. When his number was called he met the challenge. He was eager to play," Coach Fuente said.
Senior linebacker Charles Harris also talked about Cooper, "The players are starting to feel better about Jarvis. We haven't seen him as much like Coach Fuente said because of the leg injury in camp and he hasn't really gotten the reps he wanted to."
In his only other game this year, Cooper rushed for 101 yards on 8 carries against Austin Peay, all of it in the 4th quarter.
Cooper is determined, how determined is he to be the best?
"Last night I went to go talk to Coach Cutchlow after practice and after team dinner, and Jarvis was the only person still in the weight room training, just working on footwork and his vision. I can say that Jarvis is ready to step up to the plate and ready to carry the team," Charles Harris said.
Memphis will need Cooper to be focused and productive this Saturday. Cincinnati is ranked 117th in rushing defense so the opportunity is there for him to excel.
Ohio State rushed for 380 yards against the Bearcats. Toledo rushed for 240.
Don't be surprised if Memphis tries to run early and often.
This post was edited on 9/29 7:49 PM by mobry
Dorceus had rushed for a team-high 237 yards and four touchdowns on 46 carries through Memphis' first four games of the season.
Brandon Hayes was banged up as well and didn't see action in the 2nd half of the Ole Miss game. His status is still uncertain.
Cooper, 6-foot-1 250 lbs., has been eager to get some playing time.
"He made it very clear that he wanted to play," Coach Fuente said at the weekly press conference.
Against Ole Miss Cooper rushed for 29 yards on 7 carries.
"I was pleased with his demeanor in the game first of all. When his number was called he met the challenge. He was eager to play," Coach Fuente said.
Senior linebacker Charles Harris also talked about Cooper, "The players are starting to feel better about Jarvis. We haven't seen him as much like Coach Fuente said because of the leg injury in camp and he hasn't really gotten the reps he wanted to."
In his only other game this year, Cooper rushed for 101 yards on 8 carries against Austin Peay, all of it in the 4th quarter.
Cooper is determined, how determined is he to be the best?
"Last night I went to go talk to Coach Cutchlow after practice and after team dinner, and Jarvis was the only person still in the weight room training, just working on footwork and his vision. I can say that Jarvis is ready to step up to the plate and ready to carry the team," Charles Harris said.
Memphis will need Cooper to be focused and productive this Saturday. Cincinnati is ranked 117th in rushing defense so the opportunity is there for him to excel.
Ohio State rushed for 380 yards against the Bearcats. Toledo rushed for 240.
Don't be surprised if Memphis tries to run early and often.
This post was edited on 9/29 7:49 PM by mobry
