4-star running back Derrek Cooper names Georgia in his Top 10 schools although he de-committed last summer

Derrek Cooper, a four-star running back from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has reignited interest in the University of Georgia by including them in his updated list of top ten schools for recruitment.

The 2026 prospect, ranked No. 23 overall and No. 2 among running backs by the On3 Industry Ranking, has also secured his place as the No. 3 player in Florida. Cooper revealed that his current top ten includes Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, and Texas A&M.

Previously, Cooper spoke about his admiration for Georgia coach Kirby Smart.

“(Kirby Smart) said he really wanted me and was going to come to my spring practice,” Cooper said, per UGASports.com. “Coach Smart is a great coach and developing under his wing would definitely increase my chances of getting drafted into the NFL.”

As Cooper approaches his senior season, he has already locked in official visits to Auburn and Georgia. Discussing his decision-making process, Cooper emphasized several key factors.

“When I commit, it will be about how I will be used, how the relationships are between my family and the coaches are and the stability of the coaching staff,” Cooper told On3. “The fit into the scheme will be important to me too. I want the chance to get on the field and show my ability as quickly as I can.”

Top RB prospect Derrek Cooper highlights interest in Auburn, Georgia, and Florida

In an interview with On3 in December, four-star running back Derrek Cooper delved into his thoughts on some of his top college choices as his recruitment intensified. Cooper shared his experiences and impressions of Auburn, Georgia, and Florida, three programs vying for his commitment.

At Auburn, Cooper expressed admiration for the program’s energy and environment:

“I was at the Auburn when they played Oklahoma and they want me on offense too. Coach (Derrick) Nix is a cool coach and I have been talking to him a lot. He is new, he has energy and I like how he is recruiting me. He watches my film, he breaks things down and that is on. On my visit, I loved the fans, the crowd and the atmosphere. It was wild.”

Cooper also praised Georgia, a school he previously committed to before reopening his recruitment:

“I have visited Georgia a couple of times. I was there for the Tennessee game and I love everything about Georgia. The coaching staff is awesome and my whole family loves Kirby Smart. My family and I have talked to him a lot. Coach (Josh) Crawford and I talk almost every day and I fit well into their offense as a running back."

Florida remains another strong contender. Reflecting on the team’s resurgence, he remarked:

“I like the relationship with the coaches I’ve been building with. They turned their season around heavy, winning the top games they needed to win, winning their bowl game, so that was just big.”

During his junior year at Chaminade-Madonna, Cooper showcased his versatility, rushing for 905 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, he tallied 46 tackles, four sacks, ten tackles for loss, an interception, and four pass deflections.