Hook'em Headlines
Fansided

Texas football officially surging in race for blue-chip RB commitment

The Longhorns have been consistent and seemingly successful in their recruiting efforts for 4-star RB target Derrek Cooper.
ByMatthew Wilson|
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive coordinator Kyle Flood during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive coordinator Kyle Flood during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Chaminade-Madonna HS (Hollywoood, FL) RB Derrek Cooper has been on Texas' mind since they offered him back in January, and his recruiting intensity has undoubtedly picked up over the past month. Now, it officially looks like the Longhorns are leading the pack for the 4-star ball-carrier.

Cooper's unofficial visit to Austin was on April 26th, and he reportedly had a great time on campus. New Longhorn running backs coach Chad Scott has been Cooper's primary point of contact throughout his recruitment, and it was even reported that Scott's first phone call from his desk was to Cooper back in February.

The 6'1", 205-pound running back rushed for 905 yards on only 124 carries as Junior in 2024, displaying his explosiveness and awareness while averaging an insane 9.3 yards per carry. Though he only caught 9 passes for 156 yards last season, he has great hands in which he's been showcasing throughout recruiting camps this summer. Coincidentally enough, one of his better performances through the air just happened to be when 5-star Longhorn QB commit Dia Bell was throwing him the football.

He also played linebacker and safety as a Junior and totaled 46 tackles, 10 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries on defense. Cooper helped his team become Florida 1A State Champions in 2024 and also earned MaxPreps Junior All-American honors.


The running back pecking order is wide open behind Quintrevion Wisner as of right now, and depending on C.J. Baxter's health, somebody like Cooper could come in and immediately take over the starting job in 2026. This ideology has been one of the driving factors in the recruitment of Cooper.

Inside Texas' Justin Wells said it best:

Multiple recruiting services and experts have put in official crystal ball predictions for Texas over the past week or so, and it's looking like they could be correct.

Cooper is set to announce his commitment this Sunday, July 20th.

Home/Texas Football Recruiting