5-Star RB Derrek Cooper Commits to Texas Over Ohio State, Georgia, FSU, Miami

Derrek Cooper, a 5-star running back, committed to Texas on Sunday after receiving more than 30 offers, including from Ohio State, Georgia, Miami and Florida State.

The 6-foot-1 senior out of Hollywood, Florida, made the announcement in a dramatic video on Sunday, as he and his family unveiled shirts revealing his commitment to Texas with all of his offers laid out in front of him.

Cooper took official visits to Auburn, Miami, Florida State and Ohio State, but a late June trip to Austin, Texas, ultimately swayed his decision. In addition, Texas made a big NIL offer to Cooper, per InsideTexas’s Justin Wells.

Texas running backs coach Chad Scott played a key role in the recruitment of the All-American, who led the Longhorns to an average of 158.8 rushing yards per game last season.

“It’s a really good school and a really good choice,” Cooper said, per ON3.com's Marcus Benjamin. “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.”

Originally planning to commit on July 12, Cooper delayed his decision with intentions to visit Texas during the season, per Benjamin. But less than a week later, he committed after talking it through with his family.

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