Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Hook ‘em wins big – Texas Longhorns land third five-star commitment over the Georgia Bulldogs to close out a strong week

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Berry | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 7:34 PM ET

Five-star Chaminade-Madonna (Fla.) running back Derrek Cooper made it official Sunday – announcing his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. He ultimately chose Texas over top suitors Georgia, Florida State, Miami and Ohio State.

Cooper is the third five-star prospect to choose Texas in the last week. Grayson (Ga.) linebacker Tyler Atkinson picked Texas over the hometown Bulldogs. And James "JJ" Johnson shocked everyone with a flip from those same Bulldogs to the Longhorns. Now, Cooper has joined the Top 5 class.

The 6-foot-1, 205 pound prospect is one of the more intriguing prospects in the country. He is most likely going to find his home on the offensive side of the football at the next level, but he is a two-way player for one of the top high school programs in the country.

BREAKING: Elite 2026 RB Derrek Cooper has Committed to Texas, he tells me for @rivals

The 6’2 210 RB from Fort Lauderdale, FL chose the Longhorns over Miami & Georgia

He’s ranked as the No. 2 RB in the ‘26 Class

“Terry blacks I’m on my way!”https://t.co/99qeVUfHrm pic.twitter.com/z37EOSD89Q
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 20, 2025

247Sports' director of scouting Andrew Ivins has been around Derrek Cooper the last few years. He loves his upside and versatility.

"He's a running back but I could get on board with him as a nickelback or weak side backer," Ivins said. "He's played it his whole career so it's nothing new to him."

Ivins went on to say Cooper reminds him of a familiar face for Texas Longhorns fans.

"Kind of a north-south guy to me. Reminds me of CJ Baxter."

The top-flight athlete was previously committed to Georgia, but opted to reopen his recruitment to ensure he's making the right decision. Now, he has joined an elite class headed to Austin.

2026 5⭐️ATH Derrek Cooper is ELITE on both sides of the ball! #Recruiting #NadeBoyz ⬛️ pic.twitter.com/U3lBQdtygE
— CB (@ChalupaBatmaan) September 24, 2024

Despite not taking an official visit yet, Derrek Cooper opted for the Longhorns over others.

"Texas has been good," Cooper told InsideTheU's Gaby Urritia earlier this month. "They've been reaching out a lot too. They're a big SEC school. It would be great to play for them. I'm still going to take the [official visit] later in the season."

The Under Armour All-American finished his junior year with 124 carries for 905 yards (9.3 YPC) and 13 touchdowns. He also hauled in nine passes for 156 yards and another score. Defensively, he made 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, four sacks, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles – earning him MaxPreps Junior All-American second-team honors.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: