On July 20, the Texas Longhorns secured a major addition to their roster with five-star running back Derrek Cooper committing to the program. Scouts nationwide immediately took notice, drawing parallels between Cooper’s athleticism and NFL icons like Derrick Henry and Eric Dickerson, marking him as a promising prospect for the team’s future. The Derrick Henry comparison Texas recruit brings rare size and speed, standing at 6’1″ and weighing 200 pounds, fitting the physical mold that could transform Texas’ rushing attack.
Examining Why Cooper’s Talent Echoes NFL Greats
Cooper’s physical abilities have sparked widespread comparisons to top NFL running backs such as Derrick Henry, Eric Dickerson, and Adrian Peterson. His blend of strength, velocity, and field awareness sets him apart from other prospects and creates buzz throughout the recruiting community. Hailing from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, Cooper’s junior year statistics included 905 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 124 carries, playing a pivotal role in leading his team to the Florida Class 1A state championship while showcasing his prowess on defense as well.
Recruiting analyst RJ Young highlighted Cooper’s overall impact, stating,
It’s not the 9.3 yards per carry average that I thought was just gay on like 105 touches, had like 900 yards rushing.
He further noted,
It’s that the dude had 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four pass breakouts, four sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles while playing special teams blocking punts.
Young also underscored Cooper’s versatility, comparing his running style to that of Eric Dickerson:
If you go watch old Eric Dickerson highlight tape, you’ll see an upright running style… a man that can run by people.
He added,
I look at him and I go, ‘Oh, what if Derrick Henry was smaller?’
The combination of breakaway speed and physical power makes Cooper a rare talent capable of dominating defenses, as Young summarized,
They can’t put their hands on him. That is the kind of speed and size and power that you should be recruiting at the University of Texas.
Steve Sarkisian’s Proven Ability to Cultivate Elite Running Backs
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has earned wide recognition for his success in developing top-tier running backs, and Derrek Cooper appears well positioned to benefit from this system. Sarkisian’s program has consistently produced 1,000-yard rushers, establishing a legacy of backfield talent that Cooper could join. Sarkisian himself remarked,
That’s what I do. We run… but what I do is produce thousand-yard backs,
emphasizing his commitment to nurturing rushing excellence.
The Longhorns’ recent success stories include standout backs Najee Harris, Bijan Robinson, and Jonathan Brooks, with even less heralded players like Tre Wisner contributing to their deep rushing attacks. This track record ensures Cooper will enter an environment that maximizes his abilities and optimizes his development. Ranked No. 29 nationally in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports, Cooper’s physical profile aligns with the elite talent Sarkisian has molded before.
Cooper’s signing arrives during a productive week for Texas recruiting, which also featured commitments from five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson and the flipping of four-star linebacker James Johnson from Georgia. This momentum highlights the Longhorns’ aggressive strategy to assemble a championship-caliber roster across multiple positions heading into future seasons.
Implications for Texas Football’s Future
Derrek Cooper’s arrival signals a resurgence in Texas’ backfield potential, with his rare combination of power and speed fitting neatly into Steve Sarkisian’s proven offensive framework. The Derrick Henry comparison Texas recruit stands out not only for his physical traits but also for his ability to impact the game on multiple fronts, from offense to special teams. As Texas continues to build a roster loaded with high-level talent, Cooper’s development will be a significant storyline to follow in the coming years, potentially positioning the Longhorns as a dominant rushing force once again.