One of the top tacklers in the country right now is Christian Heritage’s Cooper Middleton. The savvy defender is currently 14th in the nation with 39 total tackles and has done more than just stuff the stat sheet, making big plays that make a difference.
Just last week, Middleton blocked a punt that advanced about 20 yards upfield, and while the rest of the players on the field watched, Middleton busted his tail after the ball, sprinting past the onlookers. He scooped up the football and ran it back 20 yards for a touchdown.
The play was voted the top play for Week 3, and the hustle displayed made a monumental difference in a game where the final result was 30-26. He really demonstrates the lengths he will go to win.
“My Junior year has gone really well. Our team had a rough start, but in the last game, I think we really found ourselves. We have a bye week coming up, so that will help too,” Middleton said.
His team is 1-2 on the season, and Middleton has 25 solo tackles and 2 tackles for a loss. This early-season performance is backed up by last season, where Middleton was outstanding, but the JR has big expectations for the remainder of the season.
“My goals for the season are for our team to win the region and make it as far as possible in the playoffs. I’d like to get 100+ tackles this year and be an all-state linebacker,” he said.
So, where has he improved the most? Middleton outlined several factors that have raised his game to another level.
“Over the last year, I’d say I improved on my technique the most, and I’ve also done better about my reads, too. I have also matured, and I’m able to see things I wouldn’t have last year, and I am more aware than last season. My blitzing has improved, and my ability to stick/fit up a running back.”
One rule we live by around here is simple: if you make elite plays, then you’ll do so in college. Time and again, we see athletes from all corners of the state get overlooked despite eye-catching film. In most cases, recruiting equilibrium is reached. The right amount of college interest is shown, but for now, Middleton is still in the beginning stages of the process.
“I have gotten some interest from a coach from Cornell University and received an invite to a home game on November 22. I have also received some interest from Shorter University and Reinhardt University for wrestling,” he said.
Middleton believes he brings several skills to the next level that separate him from the pack.
“I believe what separates me from others is my work ethic, my effort and heart, my passion for winning and hate for losing, my love for doing difficult things and pushing others to do the same, I am a leader, but I also know how to follow when needed, I am coachable and I love the game, not for the attention, but because of what God has instilled in my heart and it’s also a platform for me to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s why I play,” Middleton said emphatically.
While recruitment is just beginning for the 2027 linebacker, we believe more programs will take an interest in the highly productive defender who shows great football instincts on the field and boasts a 4.36 GPA, too. For more recruiting news around the state, be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X or see our latest videos on YouTube.
