Interview: 6-Offer 3-Star 2022 Mississippi WR Jarnorris Hopson is Fast on Fast
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
No matter how prideful a 6A Mississippi defense may be about their man coverage, a golden rule when facing Horn Lake High School, a minimum of double coverage on No. 7 is a must. No matter how teams tried to contain Jarnorris Hopson during the 2020 campaign, the junior standout receiver made teams look foolish flying past everyone. On his way to earning three-star recruiting status, All-Region first team, and a selection on Mississippi’s Super 25, the 5-11, 176-pound, speed-burner slowed down to collect six scholarship offers. The estimated stat line that brought in the collegiate and media attention included an estimated 2,500 all-purpose yards with 19 touchdowns scored.
In an RNG initial look, Hopson stopped by the Lab detailing his play on the field touching on his busy offseason and growing recruiting prospects.
Interview
Jarnorris, to say you are a big-play threat every time you step onto the field is an understatement. With your talent and abilities how were you making 6A Mississippi teams pay during the 2020 season?
Really, I was making them respect our team. We had a pretty good season in 2018 when won state. In 2019, we fell off a little bit. Folks out there said that we were one-and-done. This season we had to make them respect us.
Blowing past defensive backs left and right shows your wheels, but when you line up in the Wildcat, with everyone knowing you are getting the ball, that Olympic-esq track speed truly shows. How fast are you?
My best 40 was a 4.47.
I believe it. Have you been playing 7v7 this winter?
Yes, sir. With PPA, Pro Prospect Academy
What routes you are running during your 7v7 season?
Posts, digs, corners, slants, hitches, and go routes.
How is the 7v7 season going?
It is going great. We’ve been in a couple of Pylon tournaments in Texas, in Dallas and San Antonio. We won a championship in Oklahoma and played one recently in Alabama.
How are teams trying to defend you in these national tournaments?
They are taking notes on how fast I am off the line, not too many are trying to press me like that.
Your releases off the line are quick, and even with guys playing off you are flying by them. As a receiver, did you have any challenges you had to overcome in 2020?
In practice going against the best defensive backs on our team. The challenge me. Our defensive coordinator will do a best on best. They will get our best corner and best safety and double me up.
How did that adversity make you a better player?
It made me a better player because it showed me what I need to do and work on. In practice I go against the best defensive backs.
When 2021 rolls around, are you changing or adding to your roles?
In 2021, yes, I am and I am amped up about it. You will see me a lot on defense.
At which positions?
At safety, corner, and some as a walk-down some strong safety. Technically we don’t have a strong safety; we call it an overhang. The position is an outside linebacker-strong safety.
Overall, what have you been working on with your game this winter?
My releases and improving my route running with a focus on better understanding my depth on each route. I am speeding myself up more for time in games, I am going full speed as fast as I can.
Are there any national camps coming up you may attend?
Yes, sir. I am going to the Under Armour All-American regional in Atlanta.
That’ll be a great one for you to showcase the skills. Let’s close out talking recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
Oregon and Arkansas are showing interest.
How many offers do you have?
I got my sixth offer yesterday.
Who offered yesterday?
Marshall.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Hopson’s Offer Sheet: Austin Peay, Florida State, Marshall, Memphis, Mississippi State, and Tennessee
When visits ramp up again this summer, are there any programs you might go see?
Yes, sir. I’d like to go see Mississippi State, LSU, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida State. I want to see all six of the schools that have offered. I want to see the schools that have offered me first if I can.
Jarnorris, I appreciate your time today. Wish you and your 7v7 team success this season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Hopson family; Jarnorris Hopson