Interview: Nashville 2017 RB/ATH Darius Hopkins is Ready to Wake Up Sleeping Recruiters

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

One of the top athletes regardless of position coming out of the state of Arkansas in the 2017 class is Darius Hopkins – which is a strong statement considering the wealth of talent within the Natural State this year.

Hopkins fits the bill as that next level change of pace back, scat-back, or all-purpose back who could line up in the slot if needed. The 6’1”, 189 pound, talent showed his worth during the 2015 season rushing for 1,614 yards off 202 carries with 27 touchdowns scored on the ground. He added five receptions for 69 yards in the passing game and got some time in at safety finishing with 13 tackles along with two picks taking back the errant passes 124 yards in total the other way.

The 1,600-plus yards was not a one-time flash in the pan kind of year. Hopkins enters his senior year with over 3,000 career rushing yards having found the end zone 37 total times on the ground with 41 trips to the end zone in various highlight reel fashions. The Nashville High School rising star is fast, especially in the open field, and elusive.

Interest has come in from teams like Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona State, Memphis, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Houston. With another season to showcase his skill set, this Scrapper is due for an all-state caliber campaign certain to force college coaches to take notice.

In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I was able to get answers on Hopkins off-season workouts, camp circuit, and a quick overview on how Nashville looks heading into the 2016 schedule.

Interview

Darius, which college camps did you attend this summer?

“I went to the UCA (Central Arkansas) and the All Arkansas Camp.”

Which camp did you perform your best?

“I did my best at the UCA camp.”

What were some of the things that you did well at the UCA camp that allowed you to standout?

“I worked part of the camp at running back. (At running back) I think I caught the ball real well and did a good job in the drills. At safety, I didn’t do as much work. They just wanted to see my hips (in drills).”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you ran at the camps?

“My best was a 4.5 at the UCA camp.”

Did you take any unofficial visits this off-season?

“I visited Louisiana Tech and Arkansas. Both visits went well.”

Do you have any visits planned upcoming?

“I really haven’t had time to think about it.”

What have you been working on this off-season to prepare for your senior year?

“I worked on everything this off-season. I’m just trying to be ready to help my team in any way I can.”

How do the Scrappers look going into the season?

“The team look strong as ever. Workouts this summer have gotten five-times harder since last year but the team hasn’t backed down to the challenge. We’re grinding super hard and having fun at the same time.”

Are there any games you guys are excited to play this year?

“We are excited to play every team.”

Is there one message you’d like to share with college recruiters out there?

“I feel like I’m the most slept on in Arkansas, but they can’t sleep forever.”

Darius, thanks for your time today and good luck with the 2016 season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Hopkins family; Darius Hopkins at Louisiana Tech.

Photo credit: swarkansasnews.com; No. 12 Darius Hopkins breaks off another long run.