Chaminade four-star running back joins elite company as Nat Moore Trophy winner
If the winner of the annual Nat Moore Trophy was determined by the sharpest dresser, Derrek Cooper would have had the award won from the second he set foot at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday night.
But Cooper isn’t just about style.
He’s shown plenty of substance over the past four years, becoming one of the best running backs in recent memory to come from South Florida.
Clad in a burnt orange-colored suit (the primary color of the University of Texas - the college he will be playing for this fall), Cooper smiled moments after his name was announced as the 2025 Nat Moore Trophy winner.
The award, which was first presented in 2019, recognizes the top player in South Florida. Cooper joined an elite group of past winners that includes former American Heritage receiver Malachi Toney, former Northwestern edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., and former Chaminade receiver Jeremiah Smith.
“It feels amazing to be a part of that group because all of those guys are succeeding at the college level and getting ready for the NFL Draft,” said Cooper, who picked out his Texas Longhorns-themed suit a month ago. “I feel like I’m going to be next.”
Cooper has run for 1,391 yards and 17 touchdowns on 142 carries so far this season and for over 3,000 yards for his career.
Cooper was selected among a group of four finalists that also included St. Thomas Aquinas defensive back Justice Fitzpatrick, a Georgia commit, Central receiver Brandon Kinsey, a Purdue commit, and Northwestern receiver Calvin Russell Jr., a Syracuse commit.
Cooper has two more games to add to his gaudy career numbers as he will lead Chaminade into its Class 1A state semifinal Friday against Jacksonville Trinity Christian. The Lions (10-2) are two wins away from securing their fifth consecutive state title and eighth championship in the past nine seasons.
“This week is just amazing going for my dreams,” Cooper said. “I love playing football and I can’t wait to get to Texas and just get in that fire.”
This story was originally published December 3, 2025 at 10:48 AM.
