The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Derrek Cooper - 2026 Football Roster
Roster
Derrek Cooper
- Position:
- RB
- Height:
- 6-1
- Weight:
- 212
- Class:
- Freshman
- Hometown:
- Lauderhill, Fla.
- High School:
- Chaminade Madonna Prep
- Major:
- Health Promotion & Behavioral Science
CAREER HIGHS
- Attempts: 11 // vs. UTSA, 9/19/26
- Rushing Yards: 44 // vs. UTSA, 9/19/26
- Rushing TDs: 1 // vs. UTSA, 9/19/26
- Long Rush: 16 // vs. Oklahoma, 10/10/26
- Receptions: 1 // at Tennessee, 9/26/26
- Receiving Yards: 6 // at Tennessee, 9/26/26
- Receiving TDs: N/A
- Long Reception: 6 // at Tennessee, 9/26/26
- All-Purpose Yards: 44 // vs. UTSA, 9/19/26
A first-year running back from Lauderhill, Fla. ... has played in five career games.
FRESHMAN (2026)
Has appeared in five games ... made collegiate debut in season opener vs. Texas State ... recorded two rushes for six yards against the Bobcats ... logged 11 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown against UTSA (9/19) ... rushed seven times for seven yards at No. 13/14 Tennessee (9/26) ... also notched a reception for six yards against the Volunteers ... carried the ball eight times for 41 yards against Oklahoma (10/10) ... made one catch for seven yards vs. No. 7/7 Ole Miss (10/24).
HIGH SCHOOL
A five-star recruit by ESPN … rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals … rated the No. 1 running back recruit in his class by ESPN … rated the No. 4 running back recruit and No. 74 overall recruit in his class by Rivals … rated the No. 10 running back recruit in his class by 247Sports … won the 2025 Nat Moore Trophy, which is awarded to the top player in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties … played in the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game, posting four carries for 12 yards and a catch for 31 yards … as a senior, recorded 94 carries for 963 yards (10.2 ypc) and 12 touchdowns … also caught six receptions for 89 yards (14.8 ypc) and a touchdown … as a junior, helped his team to a Florida 1A championship win and 13-2 final record … logged 905 yards on 124 carries (7.3 ypc) and 13 touchdowns in addition to 156 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions (17.3 ypc) … on the other side of the ball, notched 46 tackles (25 solo), 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, four passes defended, two blocked punts, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries … earned MaxPreps Junior All-American second-team honors … as a sophomore at Cardinal Gibbons, registered nine catches for 71 yards and a touchdown as well as 49 tackles (25 solo), a tackle for loss and four interceptions.
PERSONAL
Son of Tonya Brinson and Corey Pearson ... has three siblings, Derricka McLoud, Deja and Corey ... grew up around football and cites his mother being one of the reasons why he fell in love with football ... is motivated by his family ... started playing running back when he was seven years old because of how fast he was … can kick with both feet and played kicker when he was in youth football ... competed in track and field (100 and 200 meters, long jump) growing up, beginning at eight years old ... wears No. 5 because he wore it when he was younger ... looks up to running back greats past and present, Derrick Henry and Longhorn Legend Ricky Williams ... enjoys watching and studying highlights of the all-time greats at the position as well ... favorite teams growing up were the Miami Dolphins and Heat ... loves to fish, play basketball, go jet skiing and be outside ... loves BBQ ... chose Texas because it was the best decision for him and his family and will help him get to the next level ... his uncle, Lewis Brinson, was drafted 29th overall in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers and went on to play six seasons in the MLB with the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants.
