Steve Sarkisian is Excited About This Highly-Touted Freshman

The Texas Longhorns are well into spring practice, meaning head coach Steve Sarkisian has gotten the chance to see his offseason acquisitions in action. One of those players is already turning heads.

The Longhorns brought in the No. 9 high school class and No. 2 transfer portal class this offseason. While five-stars like Jermaine Bishop and Cam Coleman have been the subject of media buzz, other less heralded names have also been starring early.

One such player is running back Derrek Cooper, who Sarkisian gave props to in his most recent media availability.

Steve Sarkisian Praises Freshman Running Back Derrek Cooper

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian reacts after beating the Mississippi State Bulldogs in overtime | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Sarkisian took questions from the media Tuesday as spring practice rolls on. He mentioned Cooper specifically, highlighting the back's versatility.

Take a look:

“We’re impressed with the want-to, the skill set and the teammate he is. He’s a very versatile player.”

Steve Sarkisian on true freshman RB Derrek Cooper. pic.twitter.com/MPIm75WPRW
— Eric C. Henry (@EricCHenry_) March 31, 2026

The Hollywood, Fla. product was a four-star prospect and the No. 10 running back in his class after racking up 1,503 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground at Chaminade-Madonna high school.

Sarkisian's emphasis on his do-it-all ability is interesting, given that he was known as a north-south bruiser in high school. In fact, Cooper only caught nine passes in his senior season.

Still, players can change and Cooper was effective when used as a receiver, averaging 12 yards per catch and snagging a touchdown in 2025.

Even if he improved other aspects of his game, Cooper likely did not lose his power-running style, which will be important for a new-look Longhorns running back group in 2026.

Sarkisian lost four of the Longhorns top five rushers this offseason but brought in talented transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown to replace them. While the new group is more dynamic, it lacks the power-back, pseudo-fullback role that former Longhorn Jerrick Gibson used to play.

Cooper can slide into that role, helping him get onto the field in short-yardage situations. That will give him the reps he needs to continue developing other skills and help Texas punch it in in the low redzone.

Sarkisian also commented on his attitude, which could mean an improvement in his pass-blocking abilities. If he can identify assignments better than he did in high school, his strength would make him a great option for third-down blocking.

Cooper will not gun for the top spot in a room as loaded as the one Texas has, however he has a real chance to see the field this year as a third-down or short-yardage back, especially if he continues to impress in spring practice.

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