Cooper played for
Melrose High School he was also Named Mr. Football in Tennessee in 2005, Cooper was selected to first-team All-State in 2005, when he led his team to the state championship and rushed for 2,123 yards and 30 touchdowns, also gaining 291 yards on receptions, with two touchdowns. At Milford Prep, Cooper led the team in rushing with 1,327 yards and 15 touchdowns in eight games, averaging 12.5 yards per carry (missed two games with neck and hamstring injuries). In 2006, he was ranked the No. 4 overall player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com, rated the No. 10 running back by Scout.com, and ranked the No. 28 running back by ESPN. In 2007, he was ranked as the No. 6 running back by Scout.com. This PrepStar All-American chose
Miami over
Oklahoma State,
Tennessee, and
Mississippi. ==College career==