Cooper’s time is here
Freshman receiver could be deep threat for Mids
Navy has not thrown the ball very effectively so far this season, a weakness that has allowed opposing defenses to stack the box against the running game.
The Midshipmen rank dead last among 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in passing yardage, averaging a paltry 71.2 per game.
Navy is never going to put up big numbers through the air, but in years past has always shown the ability to hit the big play on the rare occasions it did throw the ball. The Midshipmen need to make opponents pay for committing too many defenders to the run by completing passes downfield for big gains.
Freshman wide receiver Mychal Cooper is showing signs he could become the deep threat the Mids really need. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder is a long strider with a smooth running motion who has shown the ability to gain separation.
Cooper made his first career start against Air Force on Saturday and delivered one of the few offensive highlights for Navy. The Texas native got open on a deep crossing route and snagged a Malcolm Perry pass for a 27-yard gain.
Wide receivers coach Mick Yokitis gave the promising plebe mixed reviews on the catch. Cooper dove to make the grab, which Yokitis deemed unnecessary after watching the replay.
“It was a really nice catch, a really nice play. Hopefully, in the future, he’ll be able to make that grab and keep his feet, keep running,” Yokitis said.
Yokitis was forced to identify a new starter to replace Zach Abey, who could not play against Air Force due to a leg injury suffered during the second half of the SMU loss. Navy’s eighth-year wide receivers coach tabbed the plebe from among a relatively inexperienced unit.
Earning the start was a real confidence boost for Cooper, who has been a big part of the receiver rotation all season.
“It was a real blessing, especially since it was against Air Force in such a big rivalry game. Just to dip my toe in that and experience what it was like was amazing,” Cooper said. “I’ve been working hard to prove myself. So I was really honored to be given that opportunity.”
Of course, Cooper was happy to contribute the 27-yard reception, which gave Navy a first down just shy of midfield late in the second quarter. It was the key play of the team’s longest drive of the day, which lasted nine plays and 50 yards.
“It did feel good. We were having a hard time moving the ball and they called that post route. Coach had told me I was going to get the first one so I knew I had to make a play,” said Cooper, who admitted in hindsight he probably did not need to dive for the ball. “I was more worried about making sure we got the first down and kept the drive alive.”
Cooper heads a list of three freshman wide receivers that have made some noise and earned playing time. Collins Woods III (6-3, 195), who is third on the depth chart behind Jackson and Cooper, gained eight yards off a reverse against Memphis. Marcell Gleaton, a 6-foot-3, 216-pounder from Ellenwood, Georgia, has also been on the travel roster.
INJURY REPORT: Abey was wearing a brace on his left knee and looked a bit gimpy while running wind sprints at practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Archbishop Spalding product ran fairly well in a straight line, but did not make any cuts and limped a bit while walking.
“I thought he did better today than he did yesterday so that’s encouraging,’’ head coach Ken Niumatalolo said after Wednesday’s practice. “Where he was today he probably couldn’t play, but it was better than yesterday.’’
Starting slotback C.J. Williams left the Air Force game with an upper body injury. Williams, who was not spotted participating in practice on Wednesday, has been characterized as a game-time decision.
WELCOME BACK: Linebacker Dallas Jeanty had his suspension lifted and was back practicing this week. The highly-touted transfer from Wisconsin has been sidelined due to a violation of team rules and unable to participate in any team activities.
Jeanty’s transgression apparently happened over the summer as he did not attend, much less dress for, a single preseason practice. The Fort Lauderdale native was forced to sit out last season per NCAA transfer rules.