Relating to an all-around operating 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 tasks higher at operating again on the subsequent stage, the place virtually each high college within the nation is concentrating on the five-star.
A top-10 recruit within the 2026 class, the five-star participated within the Underneath Armour All-America Sport earlier this month, the place he was a transparent standout, showcasing elite-level athleticism to go along with an amazing pure really feel for the place.
Cooper is a superb pass-catcher out of the backfield and runs with nice power and authority that pairs effectively with the operating again’s imaginative and prescient, each in open area 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 most effective of the most effective,” Cooper stated after the sport. “It was simply wonderful popping out right here, simply going towards nice expertise throughout that’s going to varsity.
“I proved myself that every one proper. My means to catch the ball on the backfield and run by means of an amazing protection [was on display]. I simply dominated slightly bit on the market, you realize, catching the ball over individuals, operating the ball over individuals.”
Up to now, Georgia, Miami, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama and Ohio State have been probably the most constant faculties reaching out and recruiting the five-star, seeking to get him again on campus this spring. Cooper plans to take quite a lot of visits over the following 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 operating 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 had been in attendance.
What faculties are assured to get an official go to for the five-star?
“I for positive need to go to Miami. I for positive need to go to Georgia, too. Ohio State, you realize, these faculties [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 provides so far, with numerous Energy 4 faculties 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 remains to be large open, however a few favorites are beginning to emerge for the most effective operating again within the nation.
