2026 4-star ATH Derrek Cooper has a ‘great’ first visit to Georgia

A dozen schools have offered 2026 athlete Derrek Cooper and Georgia is one of those. The 6-foot, 190-pound sophomore out of Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna took his first visit to Athens on Tuesday and the Bulldogs did not disappoint.

“My visit was great,” Cooper told On3. “As soon as I stepped into the building, all the coaches knew my name and they made me feel like a priority. I got to tour the school and football facility and my interest in Georgia is now very high. They might even be my favorite.”

The facilities were nice. Cooper liked the facilities a lot too. But it was the practice that really caught this four-star’s attention.

“The practice was unreal. There was a lot of energy and excitement. All the coaches and players were interacting a lot and Coach Kirby Smart was shouting on his microphone when players didn’t give it their all. Then the biggest highlight of the practice was when Trevor Etienne broke for 80 yards on a run play.”

Cooper is ranked as a safety by On3. Some like him as a running back. Georgia is one of those. He spent time with the new running backs coach Tuesday and Josh Crawford made a strong impression.

“Coach Crawford is what’s really making Georgia feel like home,” Cooper said. “He is hard on his running backs and is an excellent coach. I learned something just from being there today.”

Cooper expects Georgia at his practice on April 30. He has visited Miami and USC already this spring and he will be at Florida State on April 20.

The post 2026 4-star ATH Derrek Cooper has a ‘great’ first visit to Georgia appeared first on On3.