Hopkins Pledges to Tech

Highland Springs (VA) defensive tackle Derrick “Skip” Hopkins has decided to end his recruitment, verbally committing to Virginia Tech. The 6-0, 285-pound rising senior, one of the top defensive line recruits in the state of Virginia’s 2010 class, will follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Antoine, by signing with the Hokies.

“I called Coach Cav last night and left a message. I talked to him today around nine or 10 and told him I wanted to commit,” Hopkins said. “He was happy and excited to have my commitment.”

Virginia Tech was the only Division 1A program to offer Hopkins, but Colorado, Georgia and Virginia were among the other programs that expressed interest. Hopkins initially wanted to wait to make a decision, but a positive experience at Tech’s Spring Game last month moved him to an earlier decision.

“It was just the feel I had for Virginia Tech after the Spring Game. And then I talked to Coach Cav a couple of days ago. Talking to him reassured me that I was ready to go,” Hopkins said.

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