For Highland Springs (VA) head coach Loren Johnson, one word adequately describes defensive tackle Derrick Hopkins . The word is consistency, something the 6-0, 285-pound senior has shown since earning a starting spot on the varsity as a freshman.

“Derrick’s like a baseline. He is straight across. He is consistent all the way across,” said Johnson, who just completed his second season as Springers head coach. “He has a good, fast twitch for a big guy. He uses his hands very well. He is getting himself in shape. He plays basketball, so he has good feet. Derrick is consistent all the way around. If you’re looking for five traits in a defensive lineman, Derrick has all of them.”

Hopkins racked up 59 tackles including 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 2009, earning Richmond Times-Dispatch all-metro honors for the third time. He’ll take his game to Virginia Tech, where his brother, Antoine, will be a sophomore defensive tackle next season.

Coach Johnson wouldn’t speculate as to how early Hopkins may see the field in Blacksburg, but he does believe the talented prospect has a leg up on the competition.

...