What’s better than spending your birthday with friends and family? How about having a mini surprise party while on an unofficial visit?

That was what 2026 five-star running back Derrek Cooper enjoyed Thursday as the Georgia Bulldogs surprised him for his 17th birthday. In a post on Twitter, Cooper’s mother, Tonya Brinson, shared videos and photos of Cooper's birthday surprise.

Georgia running backs coach Josh Crawford, player connection coordinator David Hill, and director of recruiting relations David Cooper were all pictured with the five-star running back.

Meanwhile, in the video of Bulldog staffers singing happy birthday to the newly turned 17-year-old, Georgia linebackers coach Glenn Schumann and offensive line coach Stacy Searels were also shown.

The Hollywood, Florida, native was committed to Georgia back in June. However, even after his decommitment, the Bulldogs remain in play to land him.

Georgia hosted the five-star running back at the beginning of February for an unofficial visit and welcomed him back for another one this week. They will then have their chance to host him on an official visit in June.

In addition to visiting the Bulldogs this summer, Cooper will also take an official to Auburn, Miami, Alabama, Penn State, and Ohio State.