Derrek Cooper accomplished just about everything he wanted to short of helping Chaminade-Madonna win a fifth straight 1A state championship.

The senior running back, a five-star recruit and team captain, is headed to the University of Texas, and did his part to help the Lions (11-3) reach a state-record 10th straight championship game; however, for the first time in five years, Chaminade-Madonna lost the title game, falling to South Florida rival Cardinal Newman.

Cooper finished the year with 160 rushes for a career-high 1,597 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also added 8 catches for 115 yards and one TD. He earned the Nat Moore Trophy as South Florida’s top high school football player. He transferred to Chaminade-Madonna from Cardinal Gibbons right before his junior season.

Although he has played multiple positions, such as running back, linebacker, safety, defensive line, and quarterback, he focused mainly on running back this season.

“I want to do anything to help my team win,” Cooper said. “Coach (Dameon) Jones just says, ‘go to linebacker, go to safety, go to D line, go to quarterback,’ and I just do it.”

Cooper said he wants to be remembered for his “authenticity, humility, and hard-hitting playing style,” not for showmanship. He also describes a “mean streak” that emerges on the field, contrasting with his typically quiet demeanor. He’s looking forward to starting the next chapter.

“I’m expecting the same thing (at Texas), but just at a different place,” Cooper said. “I would like to start there, and I am looking forward to maybe taking handoffs from (American Heritage quarterback) Dia Bell. That would be amazing. I felt (Texas was a great fit for my family and me.

“We rotated here with all of the great running backs we have,” Cooper said. “It keeps us fresh and keeps everyone healthy. We had some great players at Chaminade, so I think that prepared me for whatever I am going to face in college. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t act ‘Hollywood,’ just someone who does what they are supposed to do.”

Derrek Cooper from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, football player of the year, photographed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.(Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/25/broward-4a-1a-football-offensive-player-of-the-year/