Star Running Back Sends Clear Message on Georgia Football Amid ‘Heated Battle’
The Georgia Bulldogs will aim to bounce back on the ground in 2025 after having a very disappointing rushing attack last season. Landing another top running back prospect would help the team’s backfield in the future.
In the 2025 class, Georgia signed four-star running back prospect Bo Walker. For 2026, the Bulldogs are very much involved in the recruitment of four-star Derrek Cooper.
With summer visits scheduled for several schools, Cooper shared his feelings on Georgia with On3.com’s Chad Simmons on Monday.
“Georgia feels like home. My communication with Georiga is with the whole staff,” Cooper told Simmons. “It isn’t just the running backs coach or the offensive coordinator, but the whole staff recruits me. They are big on development too.”
Georgia Bulldogs Football Head Coach Kirby Smart Joshua L.
Cooper will visit Athens, Ga., during the weekend of June 13. The running back also has summer visits scheduled with the Auburn Tigers, Miami Hurricanes, Alabama Crimson Tide, Penn State Nittany Lions and Ohio State Buckeyes.
The four-star prospect could be on campus at any of those schools this spring as well.
The 247Sports Composite Rankings have Cooper as a top 35 prospect and top-five athlete in the 2026 college football recruiting class. On3’s Industry Rankings rate him as the No. 2 running back in the class.
Cooper will play his senior season of high school at Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Fla.
In the competitive world of college football recruiting, standout running back Derrek Cooper has made his admiration for the Georgia Bulldogs abundantly clear. Despite interest from several top-tier programs, Cooper expressed a deep connection to Georgia, stating, “Georgia feels like home.
My communication with Georgia is with the whole staff.” He emphasized that his interactions extend beyond just the running backs coach or offensive coordinator, highlighting the comprehensive support from the entire coaching staff.
Cooper’s recruitment journey is actively progressing, with plans to visit multiple universities. He has scheduled visits to Auburn, Miami, Alabama, Penn State, and Ohio State. Additionally, he is set to visit Georgia’s campus in Athens during the weekend of June 13. These visits are pivotal as Cooper evaluates which program aligns best with his aspirations and values.
Ranked among the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, Cooper’s versatility and athleticism have garnered significant attention. The 247Sports Composite Rankings place him within the top 35 prospects and among the top five athletes for his class.
On3’s Industry Rankings further bolster his status, rating him as the No. 2 running back nationally. For his senior year, Cooper will play at Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida, a decision that is anticipated to influence his development and exposure.
As the recruiting process intensifies, Georgia’s consistent engagement with Cooper positions them as strong contenders for his commitment. His forthcoming visits will likely provide deeper insights into his preferences and the factors that will ultimately shape his collegiate choice.
