Stephen Hopkins

[Mops]

Been doing some research on some kids in the Texas area and I've found my big back target I would love to see the Ducks land for the 2010 class. Stephen Hopkins. 6' 220 and he runs a 4.6 forty yard dash. Plays in the 5A level of Texas football in the Dallas Fortworth Area which is considered to be one of the top areas in one of the best states for HS football.

Now, I've done an article on Hopkins awhile back and I've kept in touch with him every now and then to keep tabs. Ducks need to quickly jump on board or else IMO we could be missing out on a huge back in a few years.

His Sophomore season he was considered a running back that only could excel inside the tackles and thus had to develop a power back style of running where he'd take on lots of contact and thus also had to make sure he could hold onto the ball. His Sophomore year he ran for 1,663 yards on 343 carries for 16 touchdowns. He got a lot of carries and his average was around 5 yards. What makes the stat impressive however is the fact that his team had zero passing ability. Team's noticed how good he was and would load 8 or 9 guys in the box to stop him and he still ran for over 1600 yards as a one man team.

The summer before his Junior year he saw a major change in his body as he packed on lots of weight but his speed and more importantly break away speed started dropping tenths and once games came around he added the ability to go outside the tackles and turn the corner and be gone. He has developed into a very patient runner that will wait for the hole to develop and then explodes. This past season he ran for almost the exact same amount of yards but also had 70 less carries and he did it on an body that was hurt all season yet he still dominated.

Almost all the major Texas schools have filled up at RB and he's still left on the board.

Will we get on the train and give him more interest?

[dthomas=ddixon]

It seems like the Ducks have a few more power backs higher on their list than this guy though. Malcom Jones, Dyer, DJ Jones, etc. If he's as good as you say I really hope the Ducks target this guy.

Here's his Rivals profile: http://smu.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp? ... 34&sport=1

[Mops]

Forgot to say he was the 5A First Team all State Junior Team, All District MVP, AP All State Honorable Mention

[briarduck]

He looks great! Hopefully in the end we end up with a winner!

How does this guy compare to the other TX RB from Denison DJ Jones? Because he the one I like...

GO DUCKS!!

[Mops]

If Oregon only takes one more RB, would you want this guy to be it?

I'd easily settle for him if you could call it settle. IMO he is grossly under the radar and a guy that in 6 months is going to be sought after a lot of big teams.

Right now though, I'd rank him below a few guys.

[woundedknees]

Short, sweet, and to the point (Watch RB wearing #2):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MowyWHEZL38

On this next video, check out Hopkins run at the 1:02 mark, and another at about 2:55...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x54DmH09 ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbreytj6 ... re=related

[jhopduck]

I agree with the fact that I think Oregon needs to take a bigger/power back to compliment any speed guys we get. I'm a big fan with anyone the last name of Hopkins. signed, Justin Hopkins

[jhopduck]

We do need a big back but there's other out there a more talented and are showing even more interest. A few that aren't even in on either rivals or scout's Oregon offer lists yet.

I agree with this in the fact that Oregon usually plays it's cards pretty close to the vest and tries to keep some of those "diamond in the rough" targets way off the radar. Obviously when it comes to the big recruits it's hard to keep those too quiet. Go get em Chip!

[ncduck]

Thanks Duckyfan. I like hearing the thought process of the coaching staff more than naming names sometimes. I for one think it's great that they aren't just focusing on the stars. There is a lot of talent that doesn't get evaluated by the services early. I think just last year BoLo was rated later in the year.

[jhopduck]

Great to know Duckyfan and although we all initially question the Darryle Hawkins and Keaton Ardens' of the world, I've finally realized that I know diddly about what Oregon truly needs, and CK and Co. know what they are doing and I trust their judgement.
Maybe Hopkins could be someone Oregon is going after through back channels, who knows.

[UOducksTK1]

Hopkins would be the perfect replacement for our team once Blount is gone.

[yeahboyd]

Article up on scout about him now. Interesting...

http://oregon.scout.com/2/851545.html

[Tray Dub]

Can anyone summarize?

[VinnyKnuckles]

Can anyone summarize?

There isn't a lot new in that article. As we all know, he doesn't have an offer from the Ducks and he hasn't had much contact with the Ducks other than letters. He doesn't have a leader at this time.

[BisonDucks]

I don't know if this has been said or not but in the article he states he has been to Oregon and like it up here. He wasn't at the campus but was here for family related business. I couldn't glean from the article if that meant he had family here but it sounded like a possibility. I really think we have a good shot at being one of his top schools if we offer.