[Stardust]

An unknown player statewide before the season, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Hopkins ran for 846 yards and nine touchdowns in his first three games.

And he didn’t slow down much all season.

The junior finished with 2,957 yards — second statewide — and 38 TDs on 253 carries. He also had a 25-yard TD catch, two interceptions and 39 tackles.

“He’s just now getting on the radar,” coach Johnny Poynter said. “He doesn’t shy away from contact, he’s fast and he’s really seen the light.”

As a sophomore, Hopkins ran for 286 yards and one TD but missed much of the season because of a broken foot. He had 605 yards and nine TDs as a freshman.

Poynter said his off-season dedication “put him over the top.”

“He really dedicated himself,” Poynter said. “He said he wanted to be the best player in Paris, and I told him he could be the best player in the state. He just has a lot of God-given ability. He’s a special player.”

Poynter said Hopkins has heard from Kentucky and Georgia Tech and likes Georgia. He ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at a UK camp last spring.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/2...bon-County