"They really want me": 2026 class four-star RB target Derrek Cooper reveals Alabama's recruitment pitch

With the 2025 recruiting cycle wrapped up, Kalen DeBoer has shifted his focus to Alabama's 2026 class, where four-star running back Derrek Cooper has become a prime target.

During the Under Armour All-America Game media day, he confirmed to Touchdown Alabama that the Crimson Tide would “100 percent” receive an official visit from him.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound running back attends Chaminade-Madonna High School in Hollywood, Florida. He has been heavily courted by Alabama running backs coach Robert Gillespie.

"It's been frequently consistent, like every day I talk to them coaches,” Cooper told Touchdown Akabama. “They really want me. When I got down there, they had my film up.”

Cooper described his visit to Alabama in October as a positive experience, saying:

“It was a great visit. Got there to visit, talked to coach Gillespie and Coach DeBoer. I got to meet them in person, see their personalities, see if I fit there."

Cooper’s recruitment remains wide open, and he told On3 that Georgia and Miami are his top two schools, alongside Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M and Ohio State. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Miami a 38.8% chance to secure his commitment.

He committed to Georgia on June 6 but backed off the pledge four days later. He was instrumental in Chaminade-Madonna’s Class 1A state championship run. He rushed for over 900 yards and scored 13 touchdowns while also contributing on defense with 46 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss.

Derrek Cooper opens up about his fit in Alabama

Derrek Cooper is the No. 2 running back in the 2026 class, the No. 3 recruit in Florida and the No. 23 prospect in the nation, as per On3. His potential addition to the Crimson Tide’s 2026 recruiting class could be a game-changer.

“They use their running backs a lot,” Cooper told Touchdown Alabama. “I think I fit in their offense pretty well, fit in their scheme. They’re definitely one of my top schools.”

Alabama received a commitment from four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson to its 2026 class last week. Kalen DeBoer witnessed four commitments backing off their pledge in this class.