Nation’s No. 2 RB Derrek Cooper commits to Texas: ‘It’s a really good choice’

Life can change rather quickly for a high school football player. For four-star running back Derrek Cooper, his offer sheet ballooned to well over 30 offers in a span of just over a year, but over time he narrowed his focus down to five finalists: Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Texas and Ohio State.

On Sunday evening, Cooper committed to Texas, choosing the Longhorns over the hometown Hurricanes, Bulldogs, Seminoles and Buckeyes. Texas running backs coach Chad Scott‘s resume of developing players (previously at West Virginia for the last three seasons) played a significant factor in his decision.

“It’s a really good school and a really good choice,” Cooper said. “It’s in the SEC [and] they are only taking one back. Coach Scott is a really good coach; he’s done a lot of great development with guys.”

Austin was not one of his original destinations for an official visit, as Cooper took official visits to Auburn, Miami, Florida State, Georgia and Ohio State; however, a late-scheduled visit to Texas in June helped sway his decision.

According to InsideTexas’s Justin Wells, Texas made a big NIL offer for Cooper to consider. After the visit, Cooper made an appearance at the OT7 Playoffs in all Texas gear in late June.

Cooper originally planned to commit on July 12, but wanted to hold off and visit Texas during the season. A little over a week later, he’s locked in with the ‘Horns.

“I just wanted to make sure that I was right on my decision and speak on it with my family.”

Winding process leads Cooper to Austin

The spring of 2024 marked the moment when the nation truly began to take notice of Cooper’s talents. Cooper dominated the Under Armour Camp in Miami and earned the Running Back MVP honors at the Rivals Camp Series. His national profile began to ascend from there.

Cooper followed that up with a strong junior season, helping Chaminade-Madonna win a state championship.

After a visit to Georgia in 2024, Cooper committed to the Bulldogs only to decommit less than a week later.

Texas officially offered Cooper in January 2025 and hosted him for a spring visit in late April. Cooper also took spring visits to Ohio State, Tennessee, Florida State, and multiple visits to Miami. The Hurricanes pushed hard to keep him home. But the Longhorns came on strong late and made him feel like their top priority at the position.

Cooper, ranked No. 37 nationally in the Rivals Industry Ranking, expects to be the only running back the Longhorns take in their 2026 recruiting class.

The Longhorns have now secured commitments from three of the top eight prospects in the state of Florida, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Five-star quarterback Dia Bell pledged to Texas last summer, while four-star defensive tackle James Johnson flipped from Georgia last week.