Jalen

Cropper

Cropper, 24, has only played eight offensive snaps, but has been a contributor to the special teams unit. It wouldn’t be a massive surprise if he rejoined Dallas on the practice squad if/when he goes unclaimed.

The usual. Grier spent all of 2022 and most of 2024 with the Cowboys practice squad. He’s back to ride again. Joining him on the Dallas practice squad are: LB Justin Barron, WR Jalen Brooks, DT Earnest Brown, G Saahdiq Charles, T Geron Christian, S Alijah Clark, WR Jalen Cropper, RB Malik Davis, TE Rivaldo Fairweather, TE Princeton Fant, CB Kemon Hall, WR Traeshon Holden, LB Buddy Johnson and CB Robert Rochell.

Cropper (6'0/170) has been electric for the Bulldogs all season and he was once again on Thursday. Cropper was used all over and his excellent vision was on full display. His first score was from the running back position. He took a toss from Jake Haener and ran it off the right side. His second score was a fun concept. It was a reverse flea-flicker with a backside screen to Cropper. He was patient, set up his blocks, and exploded through the hole to get the touchdown. Cropper finishes the regular season amassing 13 total touchdowns on the season.

Cropper (6'0/170) injured his knee during last weekend’s win over San Diego State, and there were some concerns that he would have to miss some time. But the injury was not as severe as it appeared to be, so the sophomore is dressed out and available for Saturday’s game. With Cropper (61-664-10) and RB Ronnie Rivers both cleared, Fresno State welcomes back two of its top offensive playmakers.

This is good news for Cropper (6'0/160), as the injury looked really bad live. In the third quarter, Cropper took a crossing route to the left sideline and landed awkwardly on his leg in a non-contact fashion. Considering the injury looked to be a potential season-ending torn ACL, this is a great development. On the season, Cropper has 61 receptions for 664 yards and 10 touchdowns. He looks to keep up the momentum this Saturday against Hawaii.

Cropper (6'0/170) suffered a non-contact injury to his right knee in the third quarter after catching a 21-yard pass from quarterback Jake Haener. We will await further reports on Cropper’s status throughout the week, as the sophomore wide receiver entered Saturday tied for the FBS lead with 10 receiving touchdowns. Cropper finished the day with six receptions for 84 yards.

Cropper (6'0"/170) expanded on the excellent chemistry he had with QB Jake Haener last week when he had 14 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. Cropper caught touchdown passes of four, 23, 25, and 26 yards, all in the second half. The connection with Cropper and Haener has become a lethal one that they hope to continue next Saturday night against Hawaii.

Cropper (6'0/160) really jelled nicely with QB Jake Haener, especially late in the game. The wideout had grabs of 10 and 27 yards to move the ball down the field for first downs on the final offensive drive, and he capped it off with a 13-yard score with 14 seconds remaining. “Yeah, I’m not gonna lie, I was a little tired,” Cropper said. “But that last play, I saw the corner drop. And just knowing how Jake trusts me throwing that back shoulder into the corner of the end zone, the feeling’s so surreal.” He’ll look to keep up the good work next Friday against lowly UNLV.

A lot of things went wrong for Fresno State on Saturday, but the passing game was not one of them. QB Jake Haener had himself a game, in large part because Cropper (6'0/160) constantly gave him an open, reliable target to all levels of the field. Just a true sophomore, Cropper is already among the most dangerous MWC WRs. He got off to a slow start to the year, but really came on strong with three consecutive 100-yard games to finish the year, as well as four total touchdowns over that stretch. It’s unfortunate for Fresno State that they finish the year with two losses, but at least they have the Haener-to-Cropper connection to look forward to.

Cropper (6'0/160) was absolutely unstoppable for the Bulldogs, catching 10 of his 11 targets and working over a beleaguered Aggie secondary that is trying to get it’s footing following the firing of HC Gary Anderson this week. His best moment came on a deep route down the right sideline where he beat the defending cornerback clean off the line as Jake Haener delivered a strike over the outstretched arm of the converging safety for a 56-yard touchdown. He also cashed in touchdowns of nine and 44 yards in what was the best performance of his career to date. Cropper only caught eight passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in his previous three games combined, so this clearly qualifies as his breakout performance. He will look to keep up the positive trend next Saturday against unbeaten MWC rival San Jose State.