The Georgia Bulldogs hit the recruiting trail this week to check in on five-star running back Derek Cooper.

Georgia’s football staff hit the recruiting trail hard this week to go check out some of the prospects they are targeting in the 2026 recruiting class. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo stopped by to see several top-rated quarterbacks and now running backs coach Josh Crawford stopped by to see a very important running back prospect.

Derrek Cooper is one of the top running back prospects in the upcoming cycle and he shared on social media a picture of himself and running backs coach Josh Crawford. An important visit for the Bulldogs as Cooper is set to check out some major programs this summer.

Cooper announced in March that he will be taking visits this summer to Auburn, Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Penn State and Ohio State in that order. He will be in Athens on June 13th.

The Florida prospect is rated a five-star, the 28th-best player in the country, the second-best athlete in the class and the second-best player in the state, according to composite rankings.

Based on the schools that are in the mix for this one, it’s going to be a tough recruitment to win. For Georgia fans, it should be nice to see that Coach Crawford is doing everything he can to make sure this one ends up in Athens.

The Georgia Bulldogs continue to make waves in the recruiting world with their impressive efforts in the 2026 class, particularly at the running back position. Among the standout prospects is a highly-touted five-star athlete who has garnered significant attention from college programs nationwide. As of now, Georgia’s coaching staff is actively engaging with this top-tier recruit, emphasizing their commitment to building a dynamic backfield that can sustain their championship ambitions.

This five-star running back has showcased exceptional talent through high school highlights, demonstrating a blend of explosive speed, agility, vision, and powerful running style. His ability to navigate through defenses and break away for long touchdowns has caught the eye of recruiting analysts and college scouts alike. Georgia’s recent success in developing elite running backs—like Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards—adds to their appeal for this prospect, who values a program with a proven track record of developing NFL-ready talent.

Georgia’s recruiting strategy emphasizes not just athletic ability but also academic excellence and character, aligning with their culture of discipline and team unity. The coaching staff has been strategic in their outreach, inviting the recruit to multiple games and camps, giving him a firsthand look at the Bulldogs’ intense training environment and family-oriented team culture.

With SEC competition and other national powers vying for this talented back, Georgia’s strong tradition of player development and their recent on-field success make them a compelling choice. The Bulldogs appear to be in a solid position, but the race for this five-star back will likely come down to the final months of his recruitment process. Overall, Georgia’s efforts in securing this recruit could significantly bolster their 2026 class and ensure sustained dominance at the running back position for years to come.