Defensive coordinator prepares players for season kickoff

Samir Bader // Staff Writer

With the 2016 football season less than two weeks away, new defensive coordinator, Ron Cooper, is focusing on getting the team ready.

On day two of training camp, Cooper doesn’t believe the team is ready to face the Indiana Hoosiers on the season opener game but is confident they will get there with more preparation.

“We played them last year, so we know a little bit about them, and they know a little bit about us. But now we are concentrating on getting our players ready day by day. We are not looking forward to Sept. 1 right now. We have got a lot of work to do, a lot of preparation and at the same time, we are installing defenses and the guys are figure out what’s going to go down ten days in.”  

With players like Michael Wakefield, Denzell Perine, Lars Koht, Richard Leonard and Jeremiah Mckinnon graduating from the defense, new young talents are looking to make themselves known at FIU.

“Making the same calls we made last year, get some new guys that get to step up, that’s what it’s all about,” said coach Cooper when asked about how the defense will implement the new pieces into their strategy.  

One of the keys to success as Panthers head into the new season is communication on the field.  

“It’s been real good. Guys are understanding [that] in the defense, you have to signal,” Cooper said. “The good thing about two-a-days is getting a chance to teach them in the classroom, and the guys are learning well.”

One aspect that plays into this season is the new television deal that will be broadcasting six FIU football games this season, including the season opener against Indiana University.  

“It’s great. We’ve got to understand, we’ve got to do our part,” Cooper said. “The better we play, the better things will get. Our team is working hard, and I’m pleased so far.”

The season opener, airing on ESPNU, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. against the Indiana Hoosiers.

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