Georgia football makes the cut on elite 5-star running back's final list of schools
The Georgia Bulldogs have a shot at landing a top running back from the class of 2026, and they will know soon. Derrek Cooper, a five-star running back from Hollywood, Florida, has narrowed his decision down to five schools, with the Dawgs being one of them. The other four schools he's considering are Ohio State, […]
The Georgia Bulldogs have a shot at landing a top running back from the class of 2026, and they will know soon.
Derrek Cooper, a five-star running back from Hollywood, Florida, has narrowed his decision down to five schools, with the Dawgs being one of them.
The other four schools he's considering are Ohio State, Florida State, Texas, and Miami.
According to 247Sports Composite, Cooper ranks No. 30 overall nationally, No. 2 in the state of Florida, and is the No. 3 running back in the 2026 class.
Cooper plays both offense and defense at Chaminade-Madonna High School. On offense, he turned in an impressive junior season at running back, racking up 905 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 9.3 yards per carry. He also added nine receptions for 156 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Cooper made his presence felt with 46 tackles, four sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles.
Cooper is scheduled to announce his decision on Sunday, July 20, at 7 p.m. ET.
Georgia currently has just one running back pledged to its 2026 class so far in four-star prospect Jae Lamar.
Georgia Bulldogs 2026 Commits
Georgia currently boasts the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class and has 27 players committed to their recruiting class of 2026:
- 4-star EDGE Khamari Brooks
- 4-star Tight End Brayden Fogle
- 4-star Defensive Lineman Preston Cary
- 4-star Defensive Lineman PJ Dean
- 4-star Cornerback Chace Calicut
- 4-star Defensive Lineman James Johnson
- 4-star Wide Receiver Craig Dandridge
- 4-star Running Back Jae Lamar
- 4-star Linebacker Shadarius Toodle
- 4-star Offensive Tackle Ekene Ogbok
- 4-star Cornerback Caden Harris
- 5-star Kicker Harran Zureikat
- 5-Star Punt Returner Wade Register
- 4-star Offensive Lineman Zykie Helton
- 4-star Cornerback Justin Fitzpatrick
- 4-star Defensive Lineman Carter Luckie
- 4-star Wide Receiver Ryan Mosely
- 4-star Safety Jordan Smith
- 5-star Quarterback Jared Curtis
- 3-star Offensive Tackle Graham Houston
- 3-star EDGE Corey Howard
- 3-star Offensive Lineman Zachary Lewis
- 4-star Tight End Lincoln Keys
- 3-star Safety Kealan Jones
- 3-star Defensive Lineman Seven Cloud
- 4-star Safety Zech Fort
- 3-star Wide Receiver Brady Marchese
