For the second straight year, South Pittsburg High School’s powerhouse football program is set to send one of its star players on to an Atlantic Coast Conference team.
Dayon Cooper, a receiver and defensive back who will be a senior in the 2026 season, announced his commitment to Florida State on Saturday, choosing the Seminoles over offers from the Southeastern Conference trio of Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt among others.
“I was already thinking about it, but just being down here this weekend and my relationship with the coaches just sort of made it feel like this is home for me,” said Cooper, a consensus three-star prospect who is on an unofficial visit to the Tallahassee campus. “Just knowing now where I’m headed, it’s a relief for me and I can concentrate on my senior season.”
Pirates defensive end J.R. Hardrick signed last December with Clemson, one of Florida State’s ACC rivals.
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