Christian Heritage has a tackling machine in All-State senior linebacker Cooper Middleton. Standing 5’11” and 195 lbs., the All-State defender has been written about on the site three times this season alone, most recently after a massive 15-tackle performance that earned him Player of the Week honors.
Middleton’s game-changing ability was on full display again this week when he stripped a kick returner on special teams, scooped up the loose football, and returned it for a score. The play was reminiscent of his special teams score from a year ago, when Middleton blocked a punt that advanced a few yards upfield, then hustled after the ball, returning it for a touchdown.
The special teams heroics scratch the surface of what Middleton brings to the table as one of the Private classification’s leading tacklers. Through nine games, his stats are staggering: 106 tackles (69 solo), 15 TFLs, 7 sacks, 15 hurries, 7 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 blocked punt, 1 blocked PAT, and 1 defensive touchdown.
Along the way, Middleton has rewritten the record books at Christian Heritage, holding school marks for career tackles, single-season tackles, and single-season TFLs.
“Right now I have 440 career tackles, and still climbing,” Middleton said.
His versatility has been a driving force for the Lions as they prepare for a deep postseason push.
“I feel as though I have proven that I can play anywhere on the field and be very effective at being disruptive,” he explained. “I have been playing an edge rusher/OLB the past few games; I’ve been playing at middle lots this year as well, and I have also been able to practice being in coverage at practice. I have been very disruptive – 7 forced fumbles and blocked kicks can attest to that.”
With the playoffs on the horizon, Middleton is confident in Christian Heritage’s schematic flexibility on defense and balanced attack on offense.
“As a team, I do believe we are very prepared for playoffs,” Middleton noted. “We have gotten good at a 3-3 front, we are still good at our 4-2 front, and we are even good at a 5-2 front. So defensively that will be one of our strengths, and offensively we have been able to move the ball passing and running, so we are two-dimensional.”
Christian Heritage is currently our #9 team in our Private 4-2A rankings, but aside from our site, the greater state media is sleeping on the program. His goals for his final weeks in a Lions uniform are clear: “I want to finish my senior year by making it the farthest in playoffs our school has ever made it, which is the Elite 8, then farther.”
College programs are taking notice of his non-stop motor, defensive instincts, and tackling prowess. Berry College extended an offer to Middleton a few weeks ago, and the senior has another trip lined up immediately.
“I am going to UVA Wise this Saturday on a game-day visit,” he added.
Middleton’s defensive impact is among the best in the senior class, and his remarkable career tackle total is among the best we’ve seen in over 10 years – the senior has an outside shot at 500 career tackles. As Middleton leads Christian Heritage into the postseason, be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X to hear more about Middleton and standout players across the state of Georgia.
