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Four-star 2026 RB Derrek Cooper signs with Texas

IMG_6270by: Marcus Benjamin12/03/25benjaminrivals

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Texas was late in the recruiting process for four-star 2026 running back Derrek Cooper, offering in January of 2025.

An unofficial visit in the spring and a commitment in the summer led to his signing with the Longhorns on Wednesday. The six-foot, 200-pound back from Chaminade-Madonna Prep chose the Longhorns over Miami, Georgia, Florida State, and Ohio State.

“They showed a commitment to me,” Cooper said after signing with Texas. “I just want to be a part of a program like that. I feel like I’m the best fit for Texas.”

One of the reasons that Cooper chose Texas is that, since committing to the Longhorns, he was the lone back taken in the class. However, the Horns added another running back to their class, Jett Walker, recently, who also signed with Texas on Wednesday after flipping from Minnesota.

“It’s good to add another back to keep that competition going. We are all teammates at the end of the day. We are all working towards a goal to win a national championship.”

The Hurricanes were the closest to flipping Cooper from the Longhorns as head coach Mario Cristobal and running backs coach Matt Merritt remained in constant contact.

“I can say this now, Miami,” Cooper said of who came in second.

The senior running back is preparing for the state semifinals versus Jacksonville Trinity Christian on Friday and believes Chaminade head coach Dameon Jones and the coaching staff have developed his skills to the utmost degree.

“Chaminade has developed me a lot to become a better young man on and off the field. I appreciate Coach Jones and the whole coaching staff.”

Cooper finished his senior season with 1,391 yards, averaging 9.8 per carry, scoring 17 touchdowns. His performance earned him the Nat Moore Award, which is considered the South Florida Heisman for high school football players.

“That was amazing to win that award. I was so honored and blessed to win that award. It was just an amazing moment to celebrate with my family.”