Texas football got encouraging spring camp signs as Derrek Cooper and Justin Cryer emerged early, giving Steve Sarkisian answers at running back and linebacker.
Texas football is deep into spring camp, and two early names are already creating real buzz for Steve Sarkisian’s team.
Freshman running back Derrek Cooper and transfer linebacker Justin Cryer have quickly become two of the most important Longhorns to watch, not just because they’ve flashed, but because they may solve two of Texas’ biggest roster questions before the 2026 season even begins.
That’s a big deal for a Texas football team with national title expectations and one of the most talented rosters in college football. Early spring reports matter when they point to fit, and Cooper and Cryer appear to fit exactly what the Longhorns need.
Cooper’s rise could be especially important for the Texas run game.
The Longhorns have speed and versatility in the backfield, but adding a true power option changes the offense. Cooper arrived in Austin with elite recruiting pedigree, and his physical build gives Texas a different style of runner than the rest of the room.
If he locks down that bruising role, the Longhorns could roll into the season with a more complete rushing attack built around multiple looks and fresh legs.
That would also take pressure off Arch Manning by giving Texas another dependable way to control games.
On defense, Cryer’s strong start may be just as valuable. Linebacker depth has been one of the more closely watched issues on the Texas roster, and a transfer stepping in early is exactly what Sarkisian wanted to see.
If he becomes a reliable third option or better, Texas suddenly looks much sturdier at the second level, with enough bodies to rotate and survive the grind of an SEC schedule.
READ MORE: Steve Sarkisian Hypes New Texas WR
There’s still plenty to sort out, especially along the offensive line and in the secondary.
But if Cooper becomes the power back Texas needs and Cryer solidifies the linebacker rotation, the Longhorns may have already found two of their most important spring camp wins.
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