When it comes to all-around running backs, there aren’t many better players than 2026 five-star Derek Cooper, viewed as The top in the country according to competitors.
Standing 6’1″, 200 pounds, Cooper is an elite two-way athlete, but projects to be an even better running back at the next level, where nearly every school in the country is targeting the five-star.
The five-star prospect in the class of 2026, participated in the Under Armor All-America Game earlier this month, where he was a clear standout, displaying elite-level athleticism with a great natural feel for the position.
Cooper is a great pass rusher out of the backfield and operates with great strength and authority that extends well with run vision, both in open space and between tackles.
How did the five stars rate his performance throughout the week?
“I feel blessed. I feel very blessed to be among the best of the best,” Cooper said after the game. “It was great coming out here, just against great talent all the way through to college.
“I’ve proven myself that well. My ability to catch the ball in the backfield and run through defense is great [was on display]. I just took control a little bit out there, you know, throwing the ball over people, running the ball over people. “
So far, Georgia, Miami, Florida StateAuburn, Alabama and Ohio State The schools have been the most consistent in reaching out and recruiting the five-star, looking to get him back on campus this spring. Cooper plans to make a lot of visits over the next few months as he narrows down the list of schools before official visits.
Georgia once briefly held Cooper committed in June before quickly decommitting, but she remains in the mix as a five-star prospect.
The running back is expected to make rookie day visits to Miami, Auburn and Georgia in the coming weeks, which comes after the Hurricanes visited Cooper for a home visit last week. Running coach Matt Merritt and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson were in attendance.
Which schools are guaranteed to get a five-star official visit?
“I definitely want to go to Miami. I definitely want to go to Georgia, too. Ohio State, you know, those schools [are some of the top ones so far]Cooper shared.
Cooper is one of the most sought-after recruits in the class of 2026, accumulating 26 scholarship offers so far, with a number of Power 4 schools showing interest in the five-star.
As a junior, Cooper rushed for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns on 7.3 yards per carry for Chaminade-Madonna last season, while also catching nine passes for 156 yards and another score. His production led Chaminade-Madonna to the FHSAA 1A state championship title this year, as he rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown in the win.
Looking ahead to the spring, the five-star’s recruiting is still wide open, but there are some favorites emerging for the country’s top running back.
