Recruiting momentum swaying in right direction for electric 4-star RB target

Chaminade-Madonna HS (Hollywood, FL) 4-star running back Derrek Cooper is set to announce his commitment on July 20th, with multiple schools on his trail. The Longhorns have been turning up the heat as of late, and it seemingly appears to be working according to multiple reports.

Though he's actually ranked as the No.2 ATH in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he's going to be playing running back at the next level. He was one of the most explosive and efficient runners in the country as a junior in 2024, averaging an absurd 9.3 yards per carry on offense for the Florida 1A State Champions. He never came off the field for Chaminda-Madonna, playing both linebacker and safety as well, while being a deadly gunner on special teams for his prep school.

Chad Scott, Texas' new running backs coach, contacted Cooper immediately upon arriving in Austin back in February. There were even reports that Scott's literal first call that he made from his new office was to Cooper.

Though Cooper's interest in the Longhorns has been less than ideal over the past month or so, it's starting to sound like Texas' staff is making some headway in his recruitment behind the scenes. One major recruiting service now believes that it's going to be a battle between Texas and Georgia for his commitment instead of Miami being one of the frontrunners. Finally, the "needle" appears to be moving in the right direction for the 'Horns.

If Steve Sarkisian and Co. can land Cooper on Sunday, the team will be completely set at the running back position for the next few seasons. A 2026 backfield consisting of Quintrevion Wisner (If he returns), C.J. Baxter, Jerrick Gibson, Christian Clark, James Simon, and Derrek Cooper would represent an embarrassment of riches for Texas football.