Scout’s Eye on: DT Derrick Hopkins

Virginia Tech is assembling quite a recruiting class, with some top notch skill position players as well as some great linemen. Take a look inside at defensive tackle Derrick Hopkins’ highlight tape as well as a breakdown of his game.

Derrick Hopkins is a great catch for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Hopkins will be finishing up his high school career this year at Highland Springs High School in Highland Springs, Virginia. At 5-foot-11, and right around 275-pounds, Hopkins shows great burst off the ball and uses his height to gain leverage against taller offensive linemen.

Take a look at Derrick’s highlight tape below:

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Hopkins is extremely quick off the ball, showing excellent burst. Derrick comes off the ball very low and shows good pop. He gets into the opposing offensive lineman’s pads very quickly and uses his hands to separate and shed. Hopkins looks great against the run, holding his ground and plugging up the lane, but he is also a hustler. He shows some decent pass rush moves and pursues like a madman. Derrick is all over the field and if the play is going away from him he is always in chase mode. There are a few plays on this tape where he is simply unblockable, pushing his man back into the backfield and blowing up the play. Hopkins is going to fit right in with Bud Foster’s defensive attack. When his all hustle attitude is paired up with a college lifting program this kid is going to be just fine. It will also help that he will be coming in with a great class. Guys along the defensive line like Zack McCray and Nick Acree working with Hopkins is going to be very nice for Hokie fans.











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Dan Hilbert covers football recruiting in Virginia. He can be reached at [e-mail]. If you are submitting a recruit, please include players name, high school, primary position and the best way to get in contact with the player.