Derrek Cooper

Derrek Cooper is an American college football running back for the Texas Longhorns.

Early life Cooper, who grew up in South Florida, is the nephew of MLB player Lewis Brinson, and Cooper's father and brothers also each played football. He grew up playing football and in youth leagues played "nearly every position on the football field". He first attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale where he played football as a running back and safety, posting 49 tackles and four interceptions as a sophomore. He then transferred to Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, for his junior year. Prior to his senior year, he was selected to compete at the Under Armour All-America Game and was named the most valuable running back at the Rivals 5-star camp. He ran for 1,597 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior, helping Chaminade-Madonna to an appearance in the state title game, and was named the Broward 4A-1A offensive player of the year and the winner of the Nat Moore Trophy as the best high school football player in South Florida. At Chaminade-Madonna, Cooper also competed in track and field, earning all-county honors in the 4 × 100 metres relay.

Cooper was ranked by ESPN as a five-star prospect and the number one running back recruit in the class of 2026. He committed to play college football for the Texas Longhorns.