Interview: Arkansas 2017 RB Darius Hopkins Set on 2,000 Yards in 2016

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

One of the teams with the best mascot names in the country had a season to remember in 2015. The Scrappers went 15-0 bouncing opposing Arkansas teams out of their way all season long on their way to a state championship. The Nashville squad had a one-two punch on offense that proved to be unbeatable with quarterback Leonard Snell passing for 1,869 yards and 17 touchdowns while running for 1,904 yards with nine more scores and running back Darius Hopkins blistering his way to 1,614 yards with seven touchdowns on the ground.

When the ball is teed up for the start of the 2016 season, the Scrappers will be without Snell but will have Class of 2017 standout running back Darius Hopkins back. If teams thought Hopkins was tough to stop during his junior campaign, wait for what he has in store during his senior season. The 6’1”, 185 pound, do-everything talent has his eyes set on a 2,000 yard season. If Hopkins can accomplish the feat, he would have over 5,000 career yards on the ground currently sitting on 3,008 career yards with 37 touchdown to go with 262 career receiving yards and 41 total scores.

The odd thing for Hopkins is the goose egg in the scholarship department, something that is sure to change quickly. Hopkins has interests coming in from Alabama, Arizona State, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, and Nebraska, among others, and with the one-day college camp circuit around the corner he is sure to flip some of those interests into Division-I offers.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Hopkins covering everything from his junior season, to his offseason workouts, and of course got a recruiting news update.

Interview

Darius, from the top down Nashville had a great season in 2015. Were you pleased with how you played during your junior year?

“Yeah, it was a great year.”

What were some of the things you got better at as a running back throughout the course of the season?

“I got better at just being patient, finding the holes, and adjusting to the linemen’s blocking.”

Your game speed looks pretty amazing. What was the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“I ran a 4.5 during my ninth grade year but I have not ran a 40 since.”

Oh wow. Okay, where are you with your offseason workouts?

“My main focus is on trying to get bigger so I can increase my carries next season. I’m also working on increasing my speed and agility. I work out on my own every night trying to get better.”

What is your height and weight right now?

“6-foot 1-inch, 185 pounds.”

You mentioned getting bigger earlier, what is your offseason weight goal target?

“I want to get up to 195 before the season begins.”

Have you started setting goals for your senior year yet?

“My first goal is a back-to-back championship. My personal goal is going over 2,000 yards rushing. I also want to be a leader on the team. I want to be someone the younger guys can look up to when needed.”

Do you think you guys have a good shot at getting another championship in 2016?

“I think we have a real good shot. We have some good ninth graders coming up and we have some good offensive linemen and wide receivers coming back. I think we have a real good shot.”

Do you have any offers at this time?

“No sir.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Arkansas, Arizona State, Kansas, Memphis, Missouri, and Houston are showing the most interest. A lot of other schools have sent camp stuff.”

When you’ve talked to the different college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your skill sets?

“The main coach that I have talked to the most is Coach (Barry) Lunney (Arkansas tight ends coach). We have a close relationship. We talk all the time – we’ve been talking since my ninth grade year. I’m going up there in April. When we have talked about my game, he has told me he likes my explosiveness. He told me I am one of their top running backs on their 2017 board.”

That’s great to have someone you trust and have a close relationship with on that level. You mentioned an unofficial coming up to Arkansas, do you plan on visiting any other schools during the offseason?

“I’m planning on going to Memphis and I’m trying to go to Houston and maybe Arizona State. I have to plan it out to see if I can.”

Do you know which college camps you will attend this summer?

“I don’t know yet.”

What about exposure camps?

“I wanted to sign up for the Nike Opening in Dallas but I think it is full.”

For the readers out there that have not seen you play in person yet, how would you describe your game as a running back?

“I’m someone that can pick up five yards or 50 yards. I can run down hill hard and I can catch the ball out of the backfield.”

Is there a college or NFL running back that you like or model your game after?

“I like AP, Adrian Peterson. I also like Jonathan Williams, Arkansas’ running back.”

Do you play any other sports for Nashville?

“I play basketball.”

How is basketball going for you?

“It’s going good so far.”

How is the season going for you personally?

“I’m having a good season. I’m the starting point guard.”

Do you know your stat line on the court?

“No. I know that I’m the leading scorer on our team. If I had to guess I’d say maybe 20 points and five assists a game.”

Are you getting any interests in basketball?

“A few D-II schools have shown interest.”

Which sport do you love the most, basketball or football?

“Football my first love I stated playing football in the fourth grade. I only started playing basketball after the coaches asked me to play.”

Darius, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming visits and camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Jonathan Canaday; Darius breaks off a long run.

Photo credit: Jonathan Canaday; Darius breaks off a long run.