2010 Countdown: #50 Stephen Hopkins

No matter what Sophie Monk is wearing, she
looks better than Marcus High School's
sartorial selection.  So I refuse to post
a picture of Hopkins in high school.

Name: Stephen Hopkins
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 236 lbs.
High school: Marcus High School in Flower Mound, TX
Position: Running back
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #33
Prediction for 2010: Goal line and short yardage carries; 15 carries, 50 yards, 2 touchdowns

An early enrollee freshman, Hopkins comes in as the heir apparent to Brandon Minor, who was nearly unstoppable in short yardage situations (at least when Minor didn't have a bum ankle). He's a beast of a running back and while he won't run away from too many college players, he will truck through some linebackers and defensive backs at this level. He'll fall forward instead of getting pushed sideways or knocked backward, and that's a good thing when your other backs include guys like Michael Shaw and the tiny Vincent Smith.

I expect Hopkins to find playing time this year, although perhaps not as much as some fans expect. He brings the powerback mentality to the team, but that role can also be filled by redshirt sophomore Michael Cox, who happens to have better big-play ability. That being said, Cox has a chance to be the starter in September, which means it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring a fresh Hopkins off the bench. Regardless of who gets the short-yardage carries, there are two backs on the roster who will be able to gain some yards after contact. There aren't many teams who should be able to stop an Iso play from the I-formation with Michigan's offensive line, Mark Moundros leading on a linebacker, and Hopkins ramming it in behind him.