Although Southeast Polk took a noticeable step back in their performance in 2025, the offense still benefitted greatly from the breakout of standout Stanley Cooper Stanley Cooper 6'0" | 225 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2027 State IA in the run game. While splitting carries with senior Drew Thompson, Cooper was able to generate far more production, rushing for 1311 yards (8.5 YPC) and 17 TDs. Even though he didn’t carry a full workload, Cooper was so effective with the reps he did receive, showcasing a perfect mix of power, speed, and a low center of gravity to consistently run over defenders while also utilizing his 4.5 40 yard speed to dash past defenders, making him the ultimate weapon in the backfield. Cooper shall remain to be the centerpiece of the Rams’ offense as they look to reclaim their throne in the 5A conference.

The top returner in rushing yards (1,311), rushing yards per carry (8.5) and rushing touchdowns (17), Stanley Cooper Stanley Cooper 6'0" | 225 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2027 State IA could be in line for an even bigger breakout on behalf of SEP this fall.

A work horse ball-carrier that can just run over and through would-be tacklers, Cooper is a handful for opposing defenses to deal with. Either mowing dudes over, handing out a mean stiff-arm or showing off some shiftiness with a cut or two, Cooper will have a chance to put up even better numbers this fall for the Rams, who lost their D1 running back ahead of him and will have to rely on the ground game once again. Still retaining a good chunk of their offensive line, SEP will also lean heavily on what Cooper can do on the ground next fall.

Based on his film and the numbers he put up last fall, Cooper should have made our “2027s Deserving of Their First Division I Offer” series.

Solid ranking debut for SEP’s Stanley Cooper Stanley Cooper 6'0" | 225 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2027 State IA , who checks in as RB2 in the latest update. Cooper put up big numbers during his junior campaign as he rushed for 1,311 yards and 17 touchdowns on 155 carries. What stood out the most to me about Stanley’s game was his combination of size and explosiveness. Stanley is a bigger back at 6’0″ and 225 with a powerful base that allows him to truck through defenders and even keep piles moving with his non-stop leg drive. He’s not just a power back, though, as Stanley has also shown a solid burst of speed when he finds a crease with the ability to separate from defenses once he clears the second level. Good patience in letting blocks set up with the vision to guide him to open lanes.

A bit of a surprise stud for SEP this season, Stanley Cooper Stanley Cooper 6'0" | 225 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2027 State IA broke out as the second — some may say top option — running back in the Rams backfield this season.

With Sioux Falls commit, Drew Thompson Drew Thompson 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Southeast Polk | 2026 State IA back for his senior year, opposing defenses have clearly keyed in on the talented runner, and Cooper has been a major beneficiary, leading the Rams in rushing yards and touchdowns so far this season.

On 144 carries, Cooper has rushed for 1,215 yards (8.4 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns, leading his team in yards, yards per carry and rushing scores.

Cooper flashed potential last season during the Rams’ march to a fourth consecutive Class 4A state title. With graduation losses from that squad, the junior has stepped up his game early in 2025. Cooper has rushed for 449 yards (10.0 YPC) and three touchdowns. He’s posted several clips from the season so far on his Hudl page. They stand out for his ability to break big plays. During a 30-yard touchdown run, he picks his way through tackles up the middle before hitting the jets. Cooper shows us a 71-yard scamper against Liberty where he gets through traffic before finding another gear. Then, there’s a 13-yard run where he leans on power and physicality. Cooper’s recruiting stock should be on the rise.