Cameron Cooper, one of the last remaining centerpieces to the NCAA Division I track and field Class of 2017, ended his recruitment on Wednesday by committing to Louisiana State University.
Cooper will sign his National Letter of Intent next Thursday, May 18, inside Oak Park High.
The US No. 2 all-time indoor 800m runner, who became just the second high school athlete since Robby Andrews in 2009 to break 1:50 at the distance -- he did it twice this indoor campaign -- made one official visit to the University of Oregon before solidifying his decision with the Tigers and ending potential visits to Clemson University and the University of Florida.
Cooper, who could potentially contribute to the Tigers in the 4x400m relay and the 1500m, owns the No. 2 all-time performance of 1:49.46, which he recorded at New Balance Nationals Indoor in March. He also recorded a time of 1:49.82 at the University of Kentucky High School Invitational.
"I think it's the right fit for him," said Brandon Jiles, who coaches Cooper at Oak Park High and Motor City Track Club in Detroit, Michigan. "He really thinks he can help that program grow."
Cooper was the runner-up at New Balance Nationals Outdoor in 2016 with a time of 1:49.71 and is a three-time state champion in Michigan over the outdoor and indoor season. He finished third at the 2016 IAAF World Youth Championships in the 800m in 1:53.04.
Cooper also anchored Oak Park's NBN Indoors SMR relay to a national title in 3:25.31.
Currently, Cooper has run a season-best of 1:51.79 in the 800m.
He will join a reputable Tigers program known in the sprints, though has been tracking up in recent years in the middle distances -- departing senior Blair Henderson recorded a top mark of 1:47.32 at the Mt. SAC Relays in April.
