Bill Cooper

Bio

Punishing opposing defenses with his physical style of running at fullback, Bill "Cannonball" Cooper was named small college first- team All-America in 1960 after leading the Fighting Muskies to a 9-0 season. Cooper was a three-time first-team All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection and the only player to win the Mike Gregory Award three years in a row as the outstanding back in the conference. As a junior, Cannonball rushed for 1,191 yards and 15 touchdowns. In his senior year, he rushed for 1,102 yards and 23 touchdowns on 158 carries. He accumulated 152 total points that year, including ten extra point kicks and two conversion runs. He finished his career with 3,651 yards, a 5.5-yards-per-carry average, and 364 points. His team's four-year record was 28-7 and his standout senior season earned him a spot in the Blue-Gray All-Star Classic. After his collegiate career, Cooper went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers from 1961-1966.

Career Highlights

• 1960 All-Conference
• 1960 First Team All-America (College Div.)
• 1960 Led the nation in scoring
• 1959 All-Conference
• 1958 All-Conference