Graig Cooper is sticking with Miami. That is if Larry Coker does.

The running back from Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y., signed with Miami in February, but he was forced to attend prep school after falling one point short on his ACT.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Cooper, who attended Memphis Melrose High School last year, said he signed with Miami because of Coker, the Hurricanes' head coach.

"I like the way Larry Coker is himself," Cooper said. "He brought me in like I knew him forever. That was the place for me."

Since Cooper's arrival at Milford in July, Miami has struggled to a 1-2 start this season. Rumors have swirled across the nation that Coker's job could be in jeopardy.

Cooper said his commitment to Miami could also be in jeopardy if Coker is let go.

"I'm really concerned about Larry Coker," Cooper said. "That's going to be a big factor. That's going to hurt me if he gets fired."

If Cooper decides to look at other schools, he won't have trouble finding any suitors. He's rushed for 769 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in five games this season.

Miami's downfall could benefit another team back on the rise.

Tennessee showed strong interest in Cooper last year before he signed with Miami. He said he's been impressed with UT's resurgence after the Vols finished 5-6 a year ago.

"Last year Tennessee didn't look too good," he said. "But this year they've changed the program around. They look good.

"Right now I'm with Miami. If Coach Coker were to get fired, I'm not going to lie, Tennessee would be a part of it."

Along with UT, Cooper said he would also consider LSU, Florida and Georgia.

Bill Chaplick, Cooper's head coach at Milford, doesn't expect Cooper to look anywhere but South Beach.

"When you come here and you're committed to the people it just stays that way," Chaplick said. "He's a man of his word. That's what I try to instill to these guys."

Cooper said he's watched every Miami game this season and talks to Coker at least once a week.

"He just calls to make sure I'm alright up here," Cooper said.

Cooper's doing better than alright. Many consider him to be the best prep player in the nation.

Cooper, who plans to enroll in college in January, said it's been nice to finally receive the credit he believes he already deserved.

"I work real hard," he said. "I felt like I should've been ranked higher out of high school.

"I was happy to see it but I don't let it get to my head. I thanked God and it was over with and I'm the same guy."

Chaplick said he knew Cooper was special as soon as he arrived at Milford.

"He can see the whole field," Chaplick said. "Sometimes he's almost stopped, then it's like he's been shot out of a cannon. He's got a touchdown."

If Miami wants to hold on to Cooper, the Hurricanes better score a few more touchdowns of their own.