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Alabama Crimson Tide have a shot to lock in one of the best running backs in the 2026 class following latest news

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 6:43 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide has a rich history when it comes to the RB position.

Some of the best backs in the NFL right now like Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs made their names in Tuscaloosa and carried it over to the NFL.

And now, the Tide have locked in an official visit with a player who could be next in line...

Derrick Cooper to visit Alabama on June 6th

Chaminade-Madonna running back Derrek Cooper had his coming out party at the Under Armour Next camp in Miami a year ago. He had a few offers entering that event. Cooper was a Top Performer for On3, he has had national offers since and the No. 30 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking has official visits locked in with Auburn (May 16), Miami (May 30), Alabama (June 6), Georgia (June 13), Penn State (June 17) and Ohio State (June 20).

- Chad Simmons, On3

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Cooper may be a RB, but he shows a savvy route-running ability especially for someone who is still in high school. With a good build before he ever walks into a college strength, conditioning, and nutrition program, Cooper has a shot to be a very special talent at the next level.

Playing and winning state championships in a national hotbed, Cooper has dominated against some of the best competition that high school football has to offer during his time at Chaminade-Madonna.

“It is an all-around great program," Cooper told On3 in regard to the University of Alabama. "I like the staff, they have developed a lot of backs and they put a lot of guys in the league.”

Alabama currently ranks 11th in On3's 2026 college football recruiting class rankings, with the chance to make up a lot of ground they can land a back and overall player the caliber of Cooper.