Two new Longhorns are answering the bell in spring camp
Texas is in spring camp and the depth concerns linger at some positions. Two newcomers, Cooper and Cryer, are trying to answer those concerns.
The Longhorns are in the meat of spring camp which means we are starting to see the true standouts . There are two names that gained praise from Steve Sarkisian on Tuesday. Both those names represent the batch of newcomers in Austin but also answer some questions for the Longhorns.
Derrek Cooper, freshman RB, and Justin Cryer, transfer LB, have turned heads in spring camp and that’s an incredible sign for the Longhorns Let’s start with Derrek Cooper and the question that he can answer. Cooper came into Austin as not only a 5-star freshman but already the second biggest RB on the roster. Michael Terry is the sole back that weighs in higher and his position seemingly is malleable this offseason.
For the Texas run game, the one thing they need in my eyes is a true power back. If Cooper is answering the bell, that means Texas has their power back to go with Smothers and Brown. Sarkisian on freshman RB Derrek Cooper: “I don't ever felt like our practice field has been too big for him...
He's a really versatile player. ” #HookEm | @TSTVSports — Nolan Clay (@nolanclay10) March 31, 2026 Moving to the defensive side of the ball, the major concern Longhorns fans have is the LB room, particularly the depth. Well, Justin Cryer has come in and answered the bell, catching Sarkisian’s eye early in camp.