In relation to an all-around working again, there aren’t many higher gamers than 2026 five-star Derek Cooper, seen as the highest again within the nation in response to Rivals.
Standing 6’1”, 200 kilos, Cooper is an elite two-way athlete, however initiatives higher at working again on the subsequent stage, the place virtually each high faculty within the nation is concentrating on the five-star.
A top-10 recruit within the 2026 class, the five-star participated within the Beneath Armour All-America Recreation earlier this month, the place he was a transparent standout, showcasing elite-level athleticism to go together with an amazing pure really feel for the place.
Cooper is a good pass-catcher out of the backfield and runs with nice power and authority that pairs nicely with the working again’s imaginative and prescient, each in open house and between the tackles.
How did the five-star consider his efficiency all through the week?
“I really feel blessed. I really feel very, very blessed being amongst the perfect of the perfect,” Cooper mentioned after the sport. “It was simply superb popping out right here, simply going towards nice expertise throughout that’s going to varsity.
“I proved myself that every one proper. My capability to catch the ball on the backfield and run via an amazing protection [was on display]. I simply dominated just a little bit on the market, you realize, catching the ball over folks, working the ball over folks.”
To date, Georgia, Miami, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama and Ohio State have been essentially the most constant colleges reaching out and recruiting the five-star, seeking to get him again on campus this spring. Cooper plans to take a variety of visits over the subsequent few months as he narrows down his checklist of colleges forward of official visits.
Georgia as soon as held a dedication from Cooper for a quick interval again in June earlier than a fast de-commitment, however are nonetheless firmly within the combine for the five-star.
The working again is predicted to take junior day visits to Miami, Auburn and Georgia within the coming weeks, which comes after the Hurricanes visited Cooper on a house go to final week. Operating backs coach Matt Merritt and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson have been in attendance.
What colleges are assured to get an official go to for the five-star?
“I for certain wish to go to Miami. I for certain wish to go to Georgia, too. Ohio State, you realize, these colleges [are some of the top ones so far],” Cooper shared.
Cooper is among the extra sought-after recruits within the 2026 class, accumulating 26 scholarship affords up to now, with various Energy 4 colleges exhibiting curiosity within the five-star.
As a junior, Cooper rushed for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns on 7.3 yards per carry for Chaminade-Madonna this previous season, whereas additionally catching 9 passes for 156 yards and one other rating. His manufacturing led Chaminade-Madonna to an FHSAA 1A State Championship title this yr, the place he rushed for 92 yards and a landing within the win.
Looking forward to the spring, the five-star’s recruitment continues to be broad open, however a few favorites are beginning to emerge for the perfect working again within the nation.
