With Florida taking three running backs in the 2025 class, it’s very likely the Gators will only be taking one running back in the 2026. One of the top guys on their board is Chaminade-Madonna Prep product Derrek Cooper. The top 30 prospect was briefly committed to Georgia before opening up his recruitment on June 10th, just four days after pledging to the Bulldogs. While Georgia still remains a strong contender, Cooper is interested in a number of schools including Florida.
“I like the relationship with the coaches I’ve been building with,” Cooper said on what he likes about Florida. “They turned their season around heavy, winning the top games they needed to win, winning their bowl game, so that was just big.”
Cooper said that Florida’s 2024 season reminds him of his junior season, where Chaminade-Madonna started 0-2 and ended up winning their 4th straight state title.
“That was a big turnaround,” Cooper said on Florida’s 2024 season. “I kind of compare that to our season, we were 0-2, we had our backs against the wall, so we had to fight through adversity just like them.”
The 6’1, 195 pound running back has a strong relationship with Gators’ running back coach Jabbar Juluke, who has quite the resume as a developer.
“He’s amazing,” Cooper said on Juluke. “He’s a very good coach; they use their backs very well at UF. He’s been very consistent on me.”
Cooper visited Gainesville for Florida’s week one game against Miami and plans to be back in 2025. Cooper also told Gator Country that Florida is likely to get an official visit.
Miami, Florida State, Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn are other schools in the mix for the highly touted running back.