The Texas Longhorns' running back room is heating up, and it's all thanks to the emergence of freshman Derrek Cooper. With transfer running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers already on the roster, Cooper is making a strong case for himself as the team's third-string option, according to head coach Steve Sarkisian. But what sets Cooper apart is his versatility and natural talent, which has caught the eye of the coaching staff.
Cooper's high school resume speaks for itself. As a two-way standout at Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida, he played multiple positions, including safety and linebacker. His junior year stats are impressive: 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. These numbers showcase his all-around skills and his ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
Sarkisian's praise for Cooper is well-deserved. He highlights Cooper's physicality, speed, and natural football instincts. "He’s a hard-charging guy. He plays physical. He plays fast. He’s a very natural football player," Sarkisian said. This natural talent is further evidenced by Cooper's special teams contributions, as he blocked two punts as a junior.
Cooper's arrival at Texas was notable. He was an early enrollee in the 2026 recruiting class, ranked as the No. 109 player nationally and the No. 7 running back by 247Sports Composite rankings. Despite missing out on other top targets, Cooper's commitment to the Longhorns was a significant addition to the class. His decision to commit without an official visit to Austin demonstrates his trust in the program and his eagerness to contribute.
However, Cooper's journey hasn't been without challenges. He's faced a learning curve in pass protection, a common issue for young running backs. But Sarkisian commends his understanding of the offense and his willingness to learn. "His understanding of the offense has been very impressive for a young player. I think his physicality, the speed in which he plays the game, has been very impressive. But as impressive, I think, has been his knowledge and willingness to learn," Sarkisian said.
The future looks bright for Cooper. His ability to create explosive plays with speed, combined with his physicality, makes him a valuable asset. As the season progresses, he's likely to get more opportunities, providing some much-needed depth and versatility to the Longhorns' running back corps. Cooper's development is a testament to the program's ability to develop talent and his own dedication to the game.
In my opinion, Cooper's story is a fascinating one. It showcases the importance of versatility and natural talent in football. His ability to adapt to different positions and his eagerness to learn will undoubtedly contribute to his success. As he continues to develop, Cooper could become a key player for the Longhorns, providing a unique blend of speed and power. The future is bright for this young running back, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to impress.
