Elite Texas commit makes return trip to see Miami Hurricanes

Elite Texas commit makes return trip to see Miami Hurricanes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Hurricanes are playing a rare Friday contest against the Louisville Cardinals, which often makes it difficult for top recruits to visit.

Friday night lights, after all, is defined by high school football.

But Texas Longhorns commit and Chaminade-Madonna (Florida) running back Derrek Cooper has a bye this week, so he was spotted at the game.

His return visit was first reported by 247Sports reporter Gaby Urrutia:

Texas RB commit Derrek Cooper is back at Miami for a Friday night showdown against Louisville. https://t.co/qBi1efCLXlpic.twitter.com/L7lSS53dzS

— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) October 17, 2025

Cooper is rated the nation's No. 41 overall prospect and No. 3 athlete in the class of 2026. 

Although the 6-foot-1, 205-pound ball-carrier has been committed to Texas since July, he has been building a relationship with Miami for some time,

And this week's visit to Hard Rock Stadium is the latest sign of his growing interest. 

As a junior, Cooper was a do-it-all playmaker, rushing for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 9.3 yards per carry with 46 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 4 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles and 4 pass break-ups on defense.

Here's what 247Sports had to say about him as a prospect:

"A jack-of-all-trades that some schools view as a running back while others think the ceiling might be higher as a back-seven defender. Owns a favorable athletic profile for a mid-skill with bright green speed and explosion scores. As a ball carrier, runs with plenty of tempo and energy as he hits the hole with urgency. Always seems to be spiraling forward with his 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame and will use his core power to bounce off tacklers in tight quarters. Effective on swing/screen passes and has the hands to emerge as more than just a check-down option for a passing attack. On defense, displays advanced IQ as he’s quick to read and react. Charges downhill with authority and has proven to be a solid open-field tackler. Can get home on the blitz and is also rather competent in both man and zone coverage after playing primarily safety early on in prep career. Should be viewed as one of the more unique evaluations in the class given the position ambiguity as he could settle in as a bell cow on offense or thrive as a speed-and-space linebacker. Will need a plan and a vision at the next level, but has stamped himself as one of the top overall prospects in the Sunshine State at this stage after impacting games in a variety of different ways."