Graig Cooper cancelled an official visit to Tennessee this weekend so he can take the ACT on Saturday.

Cooper, a running back from Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y., said he needs to obtain a qualifying score of 18 on his test. He told the News Sentinel last week he would visit UT this weekend and Florida on Dec. 15.

Cooper, who is committed to Miami, has to make a decision quickly. He plans to enroll in school in January and said he wants to decide on a school by Dec. 20, which would seem to hurt UT's chances in landing him if he doesn't make an unofficial visit to Knoxville.

Miami's chances of retaining Cooper may have improved.

The Hurricanes introduced Randy Shannon as its new coach on Friday. Shannon, who had served as Miami's defensive coordinator, replaces Larry Coker, who was fired last month after a disappointing 6-6 season.

Cooper said hiring Shannon could be a positive influence in his decision.

"If Coach Shannon were to be there, I might be there," he said.

Cooper attended Memphis Melrose High School last year before he enrolled at Milford because he fell one point short on his ACT.