Stephen Hopkins

[SLC fan]

It's been confirmed. Hopkins committed to Michigan. The linked story is premium, but that's Hopkins in the picture.

http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&...%2f855619.html

Rich Rodriguez made it a priority to get a big back in this class, and now he's got one of the best big backs in the nation.

[drgnbkr]

Good for him! Great kid for Michigan. Wish he could have stayed in Texas...

[33Blood]

Hmmm, Michigan didn't pan out too great for the last back from Texas to go there.

[SLC fan]

Originally Posted by drgnbkr

Good for him! Great kid for Michigan. Wish he could have stayed in Texas...

Aside from Michigan, he had offers from A&M, SMU, Kansas, Kansas State, and Stanford. It's surprising that he didn't already have more offers than that. He said that Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were showing interest (as was Oregon), and he visited Texas Tech and Nebraska, but apparently none offered. It's perplexing, especially for a school like Wisconsin, which you'd think would be all over a power back like Hopkins.

Michigan offered him back in February.

Here's a brief free article about Hopkins' commitment, with some quotes from him about why he committed.

http://michigan.scout.com/2/855685.html

[SLC fan]

Originally Posted by 33Blood

Hmmm, Michigan didn't pan out too great for the last back from Texas to go there.

Yeah, I'm of the opinion that if even one recruit in the history of a state didn't thrive at an out of state school, no other kid from that state should consider going to that school.

McGuffie was actually the starter for the majority of the season. He had a future at Michigan but decided that he wanted to be closer to his family. It sounded like he had good reasons, but those reasons were unique to him. Every kid is different. It just doesn't make sense to suggest that a kid won't make it at a school because some other kid from the same state didn't. If that's the case, then Texas schools shouldn't recruit Florida or California, because I guarantee you that each of the major programs in Texas has had kids from each of those states who didn't work out.

Texas players Mark Ortmann (probable starting LT), Darryl Stonum (probable starting WR), Terrence Robinson (possible starting slot), Trey Woolfolk (possible starting DB), and Brandon Herron (who's in the two deep) seem to be content at Michigan. Jarrett Irons, William Carr, Tommy Hendricks, Mercury Hayes, Josh Williams, and Steve Frazier had accomplished careers at Michigan in the 90s, as did Daydrion Taylor before suffering a career-ending injury. Michigan hasn't had a lot of Texas players, but a high percentage of them have done well.

BTW, Dallas Skyline's WR/RB Tony Drake also committed to Michigan not long ago. ILB Caleb Lavey from Celina, whose dad attended UM, also has strong interest in Michigan.

[dragonpants]

Originally Posted by slcdragonfan

For them to have a chance against Katy, they will have to have something more than Hopkins, left, right, and up the middle. Katy can stuff that all day long. Accuracy was off for Marcus last year, we'll see about this year.

He is the best back in the state IMO. I have seen the kid from Temple on film and he is impressive and his speed is scary but from a football standpoint Hopkins is the best.
Last year Marcus had a monster O line and I do not know what they have coming back.
If Marcus has a quarterback that can throw somewhat consistently they could be a dynasty. They have one of the top coaching staffs in the state, definitely in the top 2 in DFW the other being at Hebron although they lost a great DC. Somehow I think Brazil will have the D ready.

[farmerfan]

Originally Posted by dragonpants

He is the best back in the state IMO. I have seen the kid from Temple on film and he is impressive and his speed is scary but from a football standpoint Hopkins is the best.
Last year Marcus had a monster O line and I do not know what they have coming back.
If Marcus has a quarterback that can throw somewhat consistently they could be a dynasty. They have one of the top coaching staffs in the state, definitely in the top 2 in DFW the other being at Hebron although they lost a great DC. Somehow I think Brazil will have the D ready.

Brazil will be fine, he lost a great one in Joe McBride after the 05 season and had Dane groomed and ready to go and as you said, something tells me he will have somebody ready to fill in and step up to replace Dane. Brazil himself is one great defensive mind so you would have to think the defensive side of the football is still a very big interest to him.
As for Marcus, you are so right in the QB part. If they can have one step up this year and complete 55-60% of their passes and truly keep the defenses honest then they could have something special.
As for Hopkins, when he graduates next spring, the cubbard at RB is far from bare at Marcus. They will have Degan Newsome and from what others on this board said last fall, they seem to have some good ones stepping up from the JV. THey will be loaded at that postition for a while. I am the younger playes in the program was huge reason for Erwin staying and turning down the Permian job.

[33Blood]

Originally Posted by SLC fan

Yeah, I'm of the opinion that if even one recruit in the history of a state didn't thrive at an out of state school, no other kid from that state should consider going to that school.

He may do great at Michigan and I wish him the best. But I hope Michigan does not win a game while he is there. That would put Texas at the top of the all time win list.

[slcdragonfan]

Originally Posted by farmerfan

Brazil will be fine, he lost a great one in Joe McBride after the 05 season and had Dane groomed and ready to go and as you said, something tells me he will have somebody ready to fill in and step up to replace Dane. Brazil himself is one great defensive mind so you would have to think the defensive side of the football is still a very big interest to him.
As for Marcus, you are so right in the QB part. If they can have one step up this year and complete 55-60% of their passes and truly keep the defenses honest then they could have something special.
As for Hopkins, when he graduates next spring, the cubbard at RB is far from bare at Marcus. They will have Degan Newsome and from what others on this board said last fall, they seem to have some good ones stepping up from the JV. THey will be loaded at that postition for a while. I am the younger playes in the program was huge reason for Erwin staying and turning down the Permian job.

Exactly.

As to Hopkins, I can't quite say he is #1 in the state this year, but he certainly makes it near the top of the list for this class. I don't have another #1 at this point, just need to see a game or two. I just want to see what else is out there.

[Maxthedog]

Originally Posted by Matthew 2000 Eagle

Question Max!

When you said that y'all stopped him cold after only 7 or 8 yards, do you mean that by, y'all stopped him after he gained only 7 or 8 yards after every carry?

Yeah M2K, late in the game, ONLY 7-8 yards-only!!! Early, the only thing that stopped him was the goal line and the ref says 'That's enough!'.
He wore us out like a old dish rag.

[longball]

Who will be Hopkins QB this year at Marcus?

[farmerfan]

Originally Posted by Maxthedog

Yeah M2K, late in the game, ONLY 7-8 yards-only!!! Early, the only thing that stopped him was the goal line and the ref says 'That's enough!'.
He wore us out like a old dish rag.

That's hilarious man.
I remember listening to that game on the radio, it sure was exciting to listen to

[dragonpants]

Originally Posted by farmerfan

That's hilarious man.
I remember listening to that game on the radio, it sure was exciting to listen to

We certainly did nothing to add to injuries that game. I do know he broke a sweat but he was in no fear of injury.

[farmerfan]

Originally Posted by dragonpants

We certainly did nothing to add to injuries that game. I do know he broke a sweat but he was in no fear of injury.

Well in defense of ya'lls defense there have been some huge rushing preformances over hte years on the turf of Max Goldsmith stadium, they just typically came from the boys in Maroon. He's definitely the best back to ever come through Marcus and they have had some pretty good ones in their short history.

[SLC93]

Originally Posted by farmerfan

Well in defense of ya'lls defense there have been some huge rushing preformances over hte years on the turf of Max Goldsmith stadium, they just typically came from the boys in Maroon. He's definitely the best back to ever come through Marcus and they have had some pretty good ones in their short history.

Bold statement coming from someone who knows a thing or three about their history. Not saying I disagree but didn't expect to hear such a definitive statement from you on this topic. Strong.

[SLC93]

I wish this kid the best of luck no matter where he ultimately lands. I hate that it is so far from our borders, though. Question for those who know .... Is TCU not to the point yet that they could land a kid like this? We always make the excuse that not every kid can go to Texas and Aggie is a particular flavor that not everyone is up for, ect...ect... Patterson is sitting over there winning games, finishing in the top ten and running a great, pro style offense. Shouldn't they be a serious haven for top, local talent that wants to stay in state? Not saying Hopkins is one of those kids but I sure would like to have him close to home.

[slcdragonfan]

Originally Posted by SLC93

I wish this kid the best of luck no matter where he ultimately lands. I hate that it is so far from our borders, though. Question for those who know .... Is TCU not to the point yet that they could land a kid like this? We always make the excuse that not every kid can go to Texas and Aggie is a particular flavor that not everyone is up for, ect...ect... Patterson is sitting over there winning games, finishing in the top ten and running a great, pro style offense. Shouldn't they be a serious haven for top, local talent that wants to stay in state? Not saying Hopkins is one of those kids but I sure would like to have him close to home.

Not only TCU, but also SMU and even Baylor are building programs that will be competitive. I too think there are good schools with building programs that would highlight a kid like Hopkins, and they are not in the freezing land of bankrupt auto companies.

[dada]

Originally Posted by longball

Who will be Hopkins QB this year at Marcus?

Same as last year....I think

Their question mark will be the O-line

[SLC93]

Originally Posted by slcdragonfan

Not only TCU, but also SMU and even Baylor are building programs that will be competitive. I too think there are good schools with building programs that would highlight a kid like Hopkins, and they are not in the freezing land of bankrupt auto companies.

I get the allure. Michigan has aton of history and the Big House on it's side. That's about where it ends though, anymore. Academically they have nothing on the three schools you mentioned. In Jones you have a name coach. In Patterson you have the best coach nobody outside of Texas knows. In Briles you have the makings of the best coach in conference. All three sport improved or improving facilities. There is alot there. So unless a recruit has a connection to a Michigan or if it's just their dream, there aren't nearly as many reasons to leave state anymore.

[33Blood]

Originally Posted by SLC93

I get the allure. Michigan has aton of history and the Big House on it's side. That's about where it ends though, anymore. Academically they have nothing on the three schools you mentioned. In Jones you have a name coach. In Patterson you have the best coach nobody outside of Texas knows. In Briles you have the makings of the best coach in conference. All three sport improved or improving facilities. There is alot there. So unless a recruit has a connection to a Michigan or if it's just their dream, there aren't nearly as many reasons to leave state anymore.

Michigan is cold! Enough said. If Texas could keep all our own just think how great the competition in state would be. Baylor, Tech, A&M, UNT, SMU, TCU, UTSA and even Lamar could be national powers. There needs to be something to encourage them to stay in state.