San Diego High’s Kye Cooper eager to represent hometown with Aztecs
Kye Cooper/ SDSU
Seated between his parents during a live announcement on KUSI on June 4, San Diego High School standout Kye Cooper looked out at a crowd of family and friends gathered behind him.
On the table sat hats from Boise State, UNLV, and San Diego State.
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.
“I’ll be taking my talents to San Diego State.”
“The feeling was incredible,” Cooper said. “Knowing 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 — I was officially representing SDSU and becoming part of something bigger than myself.”
Cooper’s pledge continues San Diego State’s 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’s production on offense, defense, and special teams made him one of the region’s most sought-after prospects.
A 6-foot-1, 192-pound safety, Cooper earned second-team All-CIF honors last season after recording 70 tackles. But his impact extended far beyond defense.
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.
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.
“San Diego State was simply an exceptional option for me,” Cooper said. “The 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.”
Cooper took his official visit to SDSU on May 29, one week before announcing his commitment on live television.
“I had a strong feeling even before my official visit that SDSU was home for me,” Cooper said. “That feeling only grew stronger as I got to know the program and coaching staff.”
“When my friend Isaac Cook committed, he encouraged me by saying, ‘Let’s do it,’ and that gave me the final push,” Cooper said. “At that point, I knew it was time to make it official and become an Aztec.”
The relationship with SDSU’s coaching staff also played a major role in the decision.
“They were outstanding throughout the recruiting process,” Cooper said. “They 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.”
SDSU’s coaches also made clear what they valued most in Cooper.
“They told me they were impressed by my physical style of play, as well as my leadership and communication skills,” Cooper said.
San Diego State projects Cooper as a defensive back at the next level.
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’s defensive coordinator.
“He has given me invaluable advice in every aspect of the game and in life,” Cooper said. “His guidance has helped shape me both as a player and as a person, teaching lessons that extend far beyond the football field.”
The biggest draw for Cooper, though, was the opportunity to stay in San Diego.
“It means a great deal to me to have the opportunity to stay home and represent my city and my family,” Cooper said. “Having that support system around me provides additional confidence and motivation, and it makes this journey even more meaningful.”
