Derrek Cooper, Texas’ much-hyped freshman running back, is officially sidelined for Saturday’s massive clash against No. 1 Ohio State, and let’s be real, the outlook isn’t good. This isn’t just about missing one game; coach Steve Sarkisian’s update suggests a much longer absence, leaving a big question mark hanging over the Longhorns’ backfield.
A Gut Punch For the Longhorns’ Backfield Rotation
The injury to Cooper’s right foot or ankle happened super early in their 59-7 trouncing of Texas State last weekend. He left the field in the first half on September 5, and the news dropped Monday: Cooper’s in a walking boot, and he’ll be in that boot “until the foreseeable future,” according to Sarkisian. That phrase, “foreseeable future,” hits differently. It’s not just a week-to-week thing, it points to a significant period of recovery, with Sarkisian not even revealing the full extent of the injury or a timeline for his return. You gotta wonder what kind of damage we’re talking about when the coach is being that guarded. It’s a tough break for a kid who was just starting to make his mark.
Next Man Up: The Pressure Mounts
Cooper, a four-star recruit out of Florida, was already drawing praise from Sarkisian in his very first spring on campus. Even though he was slated for a backup role behind transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, the physical freshman was expected to be a crucial piece of the running back rotation. He only managed two carries for six yards against the Bobcats before limping off, but those early touches showed his potential. Now, with Cooper unexpectedly out for an extended period, the pressure immediately ramps up on Smothers and Brown. They proved they could handle it against Texas State, combining for a solid 104 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries once Cooper was sidelined. But playing a full game against the top team in the nation is a whole different beast, isn’t it? The team will also be leaning on reserves Michael Terry and James Simon, who each chipped in three carries after Cooper’s exit, along with versatile Ryan Niblett. The depth is there, but losing a highly touted freshman like Cooper definitely reshapes the plan. Every yard will count against Ohio State, and the rotation needs to be flawless.
This Saturday’s showdown against No. 1 Ohio State at Royal-Memorial Stadium just got even more intense. With Cooper’s long-term status up in the air, Smothers, Brown, and the rest of the backfield crew are going to have to deliver their A-game. All eyes will be on them to step up and prove Texas can run with the best, even without one of their promising young talents. It’s going to be a true test of grit and depth.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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