Derrek Cooper

Physical Profile

Possesses an ideal build for a feature running back at 6-foot-1 and roughly 205-210 pounds. [1, 4, 8] His frame is well-proportioned with room to add mass without sacrificing his explosive athletic traits. A multi-sport athlete who excels in track, his 10.77 100-meter time is excellent for his size and confirms his long-speed potential. [4] This combination of size and speed makes him a rare physical specimen at the position.

Play Style

Cooper is a physical, tempo-setting back who excels between the tackles. He runs with a low pad level and consistently churns his legs through contact, making him very difficult to bring down on initial contact. [7, 13] While he has the top-end speed to be a breakaway threat, his game is built on power and grinding out tough yardage. [4] He was a versatile two-way player in high school, playing linebacker and safety, which speaks to his overall football IQ and physicality. [7, 11]

Strengths

• Powerful, downhill runner who makes his money with a north-south approach, consistently running through arm tackles and demonstrating elite contact balance. [4, 13] He is a violent finisher who always falls forward.
• Possesses legitimate home-run speed, confirmed by state-qualifying track times. [4] While more of a build-up speed runner, he can turn a crease into a long touchdown and will outrun most collegiate defenders once he hits the second level. [2, 4]
• Exhibits good vision and decisiveness, hitting the hole with urgency and creating yardage in traffic with well-timed cuts. [4, 7] Also shows value as a receiver out of the backfield, with reliable hands in the screen game. [2, 4]

Areas to Improve

• Pass protection is a significant unknown and an area that will require immediate development to become a three-down back at the next level. [2, 4]
• While a fluid athlete, scouting reports suggest that improving overall flexibility would unlock even more of his athletic potential. [4]

College Projection

Cooper projects as an immediate impact player at the University of Texas and a future feature back. His size and powerful running style make him a candidate for early touches, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. [4, 17] As he refines his pass protection and continues to develop as a receiver, he has the clear potential to evolve into an every-down workhorse for a College Football Playoff contender.

NFL Outlook

Given his five-star ranking, ideal physical traits, and productive high school career at a powerhouse program, Cooper has a significant NFL upside. [1, 3, 6] His combination of size, power, and long speed fits the mold of a starting running back at the professional level. If his development continues on its current trajectory, he projects as a potential early-round NFL Draft selection.

Best Fit

A scheme that utilizes a physical, downhill running game to set up the play-action pass would be an ideal fit. He would thrive in a pro-style or multiple-set offense where he can be the focal point of the rushing attack and wear down defenses over four quarters. His commitment to Texas, known for producing NFL-caliber running backs, is a strong schematic and developmental fit. [3]