The Longhorns Got an Absolute Weapon in Derrek Cooper that is a Nightmare Going North-South
The Texas Longhorns have made waves in college football with their recruiting efforts, and one of their most exciting acquisitions in recent years has been Derrek Cooper, the highly touted running back who is already showing the promise to be a game-changer for the program. As a nightmare going north-south, Cooper brings a unique blend of speed, power, and vision to the backfield, and his addition to the Longhorns’ roster has fans buzzing about the potential for an explosive offense.
What makes Derrek Cooper such an intriguing prospect isn’t just his raw talent but his style of play. He is the epitome of a downhill runner, capable of taking a handoff and immediately shifting into a relentless, north-south style of attack that is difficult for defenders to contain. His ability to navigate through tight spaces, break tackles, and turn seemingly small gains into huge runs has made him one of the most dynamic running backs to watch in college football.
In this piece, we’ll break down why Derrek Cooper is poised to become a star for the Longhorns and why opposing defenses should be on high alert whenever he’s on the field. From his high school career to his early days in Austin, here’s a deeper look at what makes Cooper the absolute weapon that the Longhorns were missing.
When it comes to running backs, the term “north-south” is often used to describe a player who is quick to attack the line of scrimmage and presses up the field without hesitation. In Derrek Cooper’s case, this is exactly how he approaches every play. Unlike many running backs who prefer to dance around or take a more lateral approach, Cooper thrives when he’s moving directly toward the defense.
This no-nonsense, straight-line mentality is one of the main reasons why he’s such a dangerous weapon. His ability to hit the hole with speed, lower his shoulder, and gain positive yards quickly is a nightmare for defenders who aren’t prepared to handle his power and agility. Once Cooper gets past the initial wave of tacklers, he becomes a true threat to break a run wide open. His north-south running style forces defenses to make quick decisions, and if they’re even a fraction of a second late, Cooper can easily turn a modest gain into an explosive play.
Cooper’s speed is a key factor here, but it’s his vision and patience that really set him apart. He doesn’t just barrel into the line of scrimmage recklessly. Instead, he allows his offensive line to create lanes and patiently waits for the right moment to explode through them. This combination of patience and burst makes him incredibly hard to predict, and defenders are often left grasping at air when they try to stop him.
While Cooper’s speed is certainly eye-catching, it’s his power that makes him a unique asset for Texas. Standing at 6’2” and weighing in at around 220 pounds, Cooper possesses an ideal frame for a running back in college football. This combination of size and athleticism allows him to break through arm tackles and power through defenders who are trying to slow him down.
This aspect of his game is crucial, especially when it comes to running in between the tackles. In college football, many running backs can make big plays on the outside, but being able to power through the interior of the defense is what separates the good from the great. Cooper has shown an ability to lower his shoulder and take on tacklers head-on, using his strength to drive forward and gain yards after contact. His ability to pick up extra yardage in short-yardage situations will be invaluable for Texas as they look to convert on third and short, and his toughness will help keep defenses on their heels.
What makes his power even more impressive is the way he combines it with his agility. Despite his size, Cooper isn’t the kind of back who runs stiff or sluggish. Instead, he has a rare ability to make defenders miss in the open field, even while running at full speed. This means that even though he is capable of running through defenders, he also has the finesse to make a move when necessary, all while still keeping his feet moving toward the goal line.
While Derrek Cooper’s reputation as a downhill, north-south runner is what first comes to mind, there’s another element of his game that makes him even more dangerous: his versatility. Unlike many traditional power backs, Cooper is not limited to just running between the tackles. He’s also a threat in the passing game.
Cooper’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds a whole new dimension to his game and makes him a dual-threat player. His hands are soft, and he has shown the ability to make spectacular catches on swing passes, screens, and wheel routes. Texas can line him up out wide, utilize him in a two-back set, or run him in motion to create mismatches with defenders. Whether it’s catching a short pass in space or running a deeper route, Cooper is just as comfortable as a receiver as he is a rusher.
This versatility makes him even more difficult for defenses to scheme against. In college football, it’s not enough for a running back to simply be a rusher anymore. The most dangerous running backs are those who can impact the game in multiple ways. Cooper’s ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield means that Texas can use him in a variety of ways, keeping defenses guessing and forcing them to account for his presence in all areas of the field.
Before arriving at Texas, Cooper was already making a name for himself at the high school level, where his combination of size, speed, and power made him a force to be reckoned with. Playing for Montgomery High School in Texas, Cooper rushed for over 2,000 yards in his senior season, showcasing the kind of north-south running style that would make him a perfect fit in the Longhorns’ system.
Cooper was the centerpiece of Montgomery’s offense, and he consistently put up big numbers against top competition. His vision and ability to break tackles were on full display as he took on defensive players who struggled to match his physicality. It wasn’t just his numbers that caught the attention of scouts, though. It was his attitude and approach to the game. Cooper was known for his relentless work ethic and for taking the game seriously at all times. He was constantly looking for ways to improve his game, whether it was through extra drills, film study, or pushing his body to new limits in the weight room.
Cooper’s high school success is a testament to his readiness for college football, and Texas fans can expect to see that same fire and passion in his college career. He’s not just a talent; he’s a player with the mindset and determination to succeed at the highest level.
For the Texas Longhorns, adding a player of Derrek Cooper’s caliber to the backfield was a crucial step in solidifying their offense. Texas has had success with running backs in the past, but Cooper is the type of player who can elevate an entire offense. His combination of speed, power, and versatility makes him a perfect fit for head coach Steve Sarkisian’s system, which places an emphasis on balance and creativity.
With Bijan Robinson having left for the NFL, Texas has needed a back capable of picking up the mantle and continuing the tradition of excellence in the backfield. In Cooper, they have a player who can handle that responsibility and more. His downhill, north-south running style will fit perfectly with the Longhorns’ offense, and his ability to contribute in the passing game will give Sarkisian more options in terms of play calling.
Texas will be able to run power, zone, and stretch concepts while also using Cooper in the passing game to create mismatches. His size and speed will allow the Longhorns to dictate terms against defenses, and his unique skill set will make him a focal point of the offense from day one.
As the most prized recruit in Texas’ 2025 class, Cooper enters the Longhorns’ program with high expectations, but based on his talent and work ethic, he’s poised to meet them. Given his exceptional running style, his ability to make plays in a variety of ways, and his toughness, Derrek Cooper has the potential to be one of the best running backs in college football.
If his college career mirrors his high school success, Texas fans can expect him to quickly become a household name, dominating opposing defenses and leading the Longhorns’ offense for years to come. With his blend of size, speed, vision, and versatility, Cooper is poised to become one of the most dangerous weapons in the entire college football landscape, and one that is sure to leave a lasting impact on the program for seasons to come. Whether he’s tearing through defenses or catching passes out of the backfield, Derrek Cooper is exactly the kind of player the Longhorns need to push their program back to the top of college football.
