{"id":360715,"date":"2026-06-14T21:18:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T21:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/360715\/"},"modified":"2026-06-14T21:18:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-14T21:18:15","slug":"san-diego-highs-kye-cooper-eager-to-represent-hometown-with-aztecs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/360715\/","title":{"rendered":"San Diego High’s Kye Cooper eager to represent hometown with Aztecs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Credit: Don De Mars\/EVT Sports<\/p>\n

Seated between his parents during a live announcement on KUSI<\/a> on June 4, San Diego High School standout Kye Cooper looked out at a crowd of family and friends gathered behind him.<\/p>\n

On the table sat hats from Boise State, UNLV, and San Diego State.<\/p>\n

When the time came, Cooper stood up, unzipped his jacket to reveal a gray SDSU shirt underneath, and delivered the words Aztec fans were hoping to hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be taking my talents to San Diego State.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe feeling was incredible,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cKnowing that I was making such a significant decision on live television with my family by my side made the moment even more special. When I put on that hat, it became real \u2014 I was officially representing SDSU and becoming part of something bigger than myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Cooper\u2019s pledge continues San Diego State\u2019s impressive run of local recruiting success in the 2027 class. The Aztecs have already landed Cathedral Catholic wide receiver Isaac Cook and La Costa Canyon tight end Diego Botron. Cooper\u2019s production on offense, defense, and special teams made him one of the region\u2019s most sought-after prospects.<\/p>\n

A 6-foot-1, 192-pound safety, Cooper earned second-team All-CIF honors<\/a> last season after recording 70 tackles. But his impact extended far beyond defense.<\/p>\n

On offense, he caught 64 passes for 897 yards and seven touchdowns while adding eight rushing scores. He also contributed in the return game, scoring a kickoff return touchdown.<\/p>\n

His versatility helped attract offers from programs across the country, including Boise State, Pittsburgh, Oregon State, UNLV, Wyoming, Colorado State, San Jose State, and others.<\/p>\n

\u201cSan Diego State was simply an exceptional option for me,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cThe coaching staff is outstanding, the academic opportunities are excellent, and being close to home made it an even better fit. When I looked at everything the program had to offer, it was clear that SDSU provided the best overall environment for me to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit @KyeKingCooper4 on X (Active Graphicz)<\/p>\n

Cooper took his official visit to SDSU on May 29, one week before announcing his commitment on live television.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a strong feeling even before my official visit that SDSU was home for me,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cThat feeling only grew stronger as I got to know the program and coaching staff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen my friend Isaac Cook committed, he encouraged me by saying, \u2018Let\u2019s do it,\u2019 and that gave me the final push,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cAt that point, I knew it was time to make it official and become an Aztec.\u201d<\/p>\n

The relationship with SDSU\u2019s coaching staff also played a major role in the decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were outstanding throughout the recruiting process,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cThey recruited me relentlessly, consistently reaching out early in the morning and late at night. Their dedication showed how much they genuinely cared about me, not only as a player but also as a person and a member of my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

SDSU\u2019s coaches also made clear what they valued most in Cooper.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey told me they were impressed by my physical style of play, as well as my leadership and communication skills,\u201d Cooper said.<\/p>\n

San Diego State projects Cooper as a defensive back at the next level.<\/p>\n

His father, Stephen Cooper, spent nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers and totaled more than 500 career tackles after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Maine. Today, he serves as head coach at San Diego High School, having previously worked as the program\u2019s defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has given me invaluable advice in every aspect of the game and in life,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cHis guidance has helped shape me both as a player and as a person, teaching lessons that extend far beyond the football field.\u201d<\/p>\n

The biggest draw for Cooper, though, was the opportunity to stay in San Diego.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means a great deal to me to have the opportunity to stay home and represent my city and my family,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cHaving that support system around me provides additional confidence and motivation, and it makes this journey even more meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Roman Aguilar (he\/him\/his) is a San Diego State graduate from Stockton, California. He joined The Daily Aztec in 2022, covering football, men\u2019s basketball, and water polo before becoming Sports Editor for three years. Aguilar was also the sports director for KCR College Radio for two years, where he covered SDSU athletics, reviewed concerts, and interviewed artists. Outside the newsroom, he\u2019s often at local shows or watching his favorite horror films.<\/p>\n

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