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NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Joseph Hopkins, DB, Chadron State College

Joseph aka Joey will punch you in the mouth at the safety position. He hits hard and is a big time playmaker
Joseph Hopkins will punch you in the mouth at the safety position. He hits hard and is a big time playmaker

NFL Draft Diamonds has been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the player. We hope to bring you more than 350 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner to the right.  Now let’s meet the prospect!!!!

What is your name?

Joseph Hopkins

What is your Height/Weight?

6’2   200lbs

What is your position?

Free Safety

Where do you play college football?

I play football at Chadron State College

Out of high school I had no D1 looks but I had around 15 d2 and other small schools recruiting me. During JUCO I had been recruited by 3 D1 teams. I selected Chadron State College because they have a great athletic program, the coaches are intelligent, and they really had a need for me at safety.

Where are you from?

I am from Seattle, Washington.

Who is your role model, and why?

My biggest role model is my aunt, who struggled with kidney failure her whole life. She taught me to be positive no matter what and never to give up on anything no matter how bad it gets.

Have you talked to any NFL scouts?

I have not talked with any scouts yet.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Growing up I also played basketball, baseball, soccer, and ran track.

Did you play any other positions in football?

In addition to Safety, I have played wide receiver.

At your position, what separates you from others?

What separates me is that I am a ball hawk, I am always where the ball is to make a play, or clean up a play. I am very physical, good in the open field and a big hitter. I also am a very patient player which allows me to play smoothly. Most importantly I am student of the game and continuously improve and get better.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

When I am breaking down film I look at the Quarterbacks run/pass tendencies. I also watch the quarter backs steps in deep vs quick looks. I analyze the o-line steps and body position. I also look at WR route combos and blocking vs route running releases. Finally I look at different situations from 1st to 4th down, spark plays, redzone, 2 and 4 minute drill.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

The player that really sticks out in my mind is Buddah Baker of the University of Washington, I played against him in high school and he really made me a better player, and really challenged me.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

I would compare myself to Ha-Ha Clinton Dix in the way that I play. I also have the same body type. Also he is an all-around athlete who can get to the ball in the air, and can make big hits. And those are the same skills I have.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I don’t do anything special for my routine, I just say my prayers and listen to music and get my mind right for the game.

joeyWhat is the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?

The biggest obstacle I have dealt with was my parents’ divorce, I was young and it had a big impact on me. It has made me stronger because it highlighted the value of family to me.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my ethic, I’m committed to take any opportunity to become a better athlete every day

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is that I can over commit sometimes and put too much on my plate.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?

Growing my favorite player was Chad Johnson, My favorite team has always been the Seattle Seahawks.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

If I could have dinner with three people it would be Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Lebron James

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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