Georgia secured a commitment from one of the top high school players in the Class of 2026 on Thursday evening. Derrek Cooper, a versatile athlete from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, made his decision public on social media by announcing his commitment to the Bulldogs.
Derrek Cooper, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, is ranked as the second-best athlete in the nation by the On3 Industry Ranking (25th overall) and On3’s On300 list (17th overall).
Despite having offers from prominent schools like Miami, Florida State, and Alabama, the talented 6’1, 200-pound athlete ultimately chose to join the Georgia Bulldogs.
Cooper is anticipated to take on the role of a running back at the college level. Following an April visit, he expressed to On3’s Chad Simmons that the new running backs coach at UGA has made the school feel like home to him. Cooper mentioned that the coach’s demanding yet excellent coaching style resonated with him, making Georgia a top contender in his list of favorites.
Derrek Cooper’s commitment represents the first addition for Georgia’s new running backs coach, Josh Crawford, who joined the staff in February. The Bulldogs currently have six running backs on their roster for the 2024 season, including notable players like Trevor Etienne, Branson Robinson, Roderick Robinson, Nate Frazier, Chauncey Bowens, and Dwight Phillips. Additionally, they have a commitment from four-star recruit Bo Walker for the Class of 2025, hailing from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia.
In 2023, while playing on both offense and defense at his highly competitive school in Florida—a program that produced the nation’s top player in the Class of 2024, Jeremiah Smith, and clinched a state championship—Cooper showcased his versatility. He contributed 49 tackles (including one for loss) and secured four interceptions on defense. Offensively, he managed to tally nine receptions for 71 yards, scoring a touchdown. On special teams, he recorded seven kickoff returns for 267 yards.
Moreover, Cooper also participated in track and field for the Lions during the spring season. He achieved impressive results in various events, including a 10.88-second 100-meter sprint, a 22.21-second 200-meter sprint, a 38 feet 11.5 inches triple jump, and a 22 feet 7.75 inches long jump.
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