As a member of the St. Rita student council for the past three years, Martin Hopkins -- the Council President this year -- has shown he is fully capable of leading others.
That bodes well for the always-tough Mustangs, since Hopkins, a standout linebacker, is a defensive captain this season.
"He brings a lot of leadership to the team," coach Todd Kuska said. "But he's also a really good linebacker."
As a junior last season, the 6-2, 232-pound Hopkins was second on the team in tackles, a feat that didn't go unnoticed.
Hopkins has received scholarships offers from Akron, Western Michigan, Buffalo and Ball State -- all Mid-American Conference schools. He is also being recruited by Central Michigan.
"[Recruiters] see he's big and physical. You can't teach physicalness," Kuska said. "Some guys have that physical mentality where they like to punish guys, others do not. But it separates the good ones from the exceptional ones."
Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming believes another productive year for Hopkins will lead to more scholarship offers.
"He's another good player with good size," Lemming said. "He is really a great high school player. He may not have a lot of offers yet, but with another good year that can change."
The amazing thing is that Hopkins caught college recruiters’ eyes in his first full season playing the inside linebacker position. His freshman year at St. Rita he played tight end and during his sophomore year he played defensive end.
"[The transition to linebacker] was kind of tough at first," said Hopkins, who first played linebacker when he moved up as a sophomore to the varsity team for its state-title run.
"But by the time camp came around my junior year, I got more used to it. Now it's like second nature. I love it now. In our defense, you got to read the guards quickly and I think I can do that well."
According to Kuska, Hopkins' successful transition from the defensive line to inside linebacker had to do in part to his leadership capabilities.
"He is a smart kid and he learns," Kuska said. "He made the transition easily. He grasped it really well. He is a good example for others."
Hopkins grasped it well enough to make an immediate impact as a junior. Despite being the team's second-leading tackler, he quickly became known for his on-field tenacity and bone-jarring hits.
"There are a lot of great linebackers from the Catholic League and the South Side," Hopkins said. "I think I kind of play like them -- with physical toughness."
Kuska vividly recalls some of Hopkins' hardest hits. One game -- a heartbreaking 26-22 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South in the Class 7A quarterfinals last season -- sticks out.
"Against Wheaton South, he delivered three solid football hits," Kuska said. "That's something he tries to do ... He definitely drew some 'ohs' from the crowd. He really keeps us going and the defense on edge."
Of course, Hopkins’ ability to motivate his team goes back to his leadership skills – skills he will certainly use as the “captain” of St. Rita’s student body.
“I am going to take to those leadership skills and use them on and off the football field,” Hopkins said. “Overall though, I want this to be best season for me and my team since it’s my senior season.”
ajahns@chicagosuntimes.com
Close
Community Login
You've successfully logged in to the Sun-Times News group Community, click the close button to return to browsing.
Facebook App
Font Size
Email
Bookmark
Black Text