Running back Marquez Cooper is self-described on his social media page as a “human joystick,” touts himself as a “professional chain mover” and declares that he is “defying all odds.”
Such confidence comes from rushing for more than 1,000 yards each of the past three seasons.
That’s Cooper, a graduate transfer from Ball State who played for San Diego State coach Sean Lewis at Kent State during the 2020-22 seasons.
Cooper is reuniting with Lewis after committing to SDSU on Friday as a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.
“It seems like the right fit,” Cooper said by phone before catching a connecting flight home following his official visit to San Diego. “I love playing in this offense. There’s a lot of room to run, and it fits well with what I do and what we’re trying to accomplish.
“That’s what went into the decision (to commit).”
SDSU has had 17 scholarship players leave the program since the start of spring football.
Cooper’s commitment was the first in an expected wave of incoming transfers.
SDSU also received a commitment Friday from linebacker Kyle Moretti, a graduate transfer from Central Michigan with one year of eligibility remaining.
Cooper rushed for 1,043 yards and four touchdowns last season at Bowling Green. That, after piling up 2,813 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in three seasons with Kent State’s FlashFAST offense.
His 3,856 yards makes Cooper the NCAA’s active career rushing leader.
The offense has been rebranded AztecFAST at SDSU. Cooper said, “you’re going to see electricity all over the field. A lot of points being scored. You’ve got a lot of pieces there. … Being at San Diego I know they’re able to have even better players to put in the offense, so it’s going to be a great experience and the offense is electric.”
Although he becomes the most accomplished running back on the SDSU roster, Cooper said he makes no assumptions about being the starter.
“I have to earn that again,” Cooper said. “I love this process, though. It’s really exciting when you go around new guys. You’ve got to prove yourself all over again and start from zero. I don’t expect anything given to me.
“I know they have a solid (running backs) room. I’m not trying to step on anybody’s toes or anything. I’m going to help else us win and make everybody in the room better.
“I’ve got the yards. I’ve got the accolades. I’m really just trying to win games, whether that’s 10 touches in a game or 30 touches in a game. Whatever is needed to be done, I’m fine with.”
As his social media page indicates, Cooper is not lacking for confidence.
In reference to being a human joystick, he said, “You’re going to see me make a lot of people touch the earth, bending their knees, doing a lot of silly business.
“I make some moves that are going to make the crowd make some noise. I’m able to take advantage of my (1-on-1) opportunities by cutting on a dime.”
In regard to being a professional chain mover, he said, “The chains are always going to be moving. You hand me the ball on fourth-and-3, third-and-5, second down, you’re going to continue to see first downs if you keep feeding me the rock. … I also create explosive runs. I’m a mix of it all.”
The 184-pound Cooper, who is from Gaithersburg, Md., was generously listed as 5-foot-8 in the Ball State media guide.
“I’m 5-6 or 5-7 and people doubt me to this day,” said Cooper, explaining his “defying all odds” notion. “I’m small in stature. People have been doubting me my whole life.
“That’s why I was at the Group of 5 schools I was at. To this day, I’m getting doubted. I just carry a chip on my shoulder. … I want one more good year, win and then go to the NFL.”
This was Cooper’s first trip to San Diego. It sounds almost like a second home for the 6-2, 245-pound Moretti, an Arvada, Colo., native.
“I have visited San Diego numerous times and have family and friends who live there,” Moretti said. “I love visiting the city. … I played against Coach Lewis and several of his current SDSU staff and know he’s a great coach.”
Moretti said connections with SDSU defensive coordinator Eric Schmidt and defensive edges coach Rob Aurich played a role in his decision to become an Aztec.
“During my visit, the coaches had a clear message that they were at SDSU to win championships and build a dominant program,” Moretti said. “I loved the vision they have for SDSU and want to contribute in any way they need me to. I hope to earn the respect of my coaches and teammates (this season) and win the Mountain West.”
Moretti totaled 65 tackles, two sacks and four breakups last season at Central Michigan.
He spent the past three years playing for the Chippewas. Should he miss his former teammates, Moretti will have an opportunity to say hello during the fourth week of the season when SDSU plays at Central Michigan.
