Cooper has worked closely with the running backs in camp, and so far, he likes what he sees.
The SMU Mustangs are now in full camp mode, with Rhett Lashlee's team looking to improve on last season's 9-4 record and Holiday Bowl win.
But to do that, it starts with a good foundation being built in the offseason, which, by all accounts, the Mustangs are in good shape.
Seen to have one of the better offensive lines and defensive lines, coupled with quarterback Kevin Jennings returning and a good stable of backs, SMU has been a preseason darling for the media.
But we know that the Mustangs haven't played a proper snap yet, so all of the hope and excitement is purely just that.
However, as camp has rolled on, the running back room has been getting some attention, and for running back coach Kyler Cooper, he detailed what he's seen from the group so far.
"Generally pleased with the running backs," Cooper said. "Suffered a couple just setbacks from a couple guys, but as a group collectively, they've made plays, executed assignments.
"Need to shore up a little bit in the pass protection world, but trending in the right direction. I think the momentum that we had from spring has carried over with those older guys, and had a good fall camp so far."
With Kendrick Raphael the starter with Dramekco Green, Christian Rhodes, and EJ Kelly set to be the group that Lashlee will call upon, it isn't a bad bunch to run the football with.
But out of all the running backs, Cooper had special praise for Kelly for how he has gone about his work this offseason.
"EJ's been impressive, what we've asked him to do in terms of taking a lot of reps and showing toughness and not missing assignments like we would expect without a spring, but he's been rock solid," Cooper added.
So the Mustangs appear in good shape as camp rolls on, and the main thing now is to maintain the rage as they are viewed as one of the top teams in the ACC.
But to be that, when the season begins, they have to put in the work now to be a better version of themselves than they were a year ago.
Steady progression is all fans want, and it appears that so far in camp, the running back room has been doing just that.
