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Ensworth 2026 four-star cornerback Justin Hopkins has Josh Heupel and Tennessee football among his list of finalists, which also include USC and coach Lincoln Riley.
Hopkins has the Volunteers, USC, Georgia Tech and Minnesota as his top four schools and will announce his choice Feb. 17, he posted on the ‘X’ platform, formerly Twitter.
Hopkins is the No. 9 player from the 2026 class in Tennessee and No. 21 cornerback nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite. He had two interceptions, seven pass breakups, 16 tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry and a defensive touchdown for Ensworth last season.
More: What Josh Heupel said about Ensworth that impressed Tennessee football recruit Justin Hopkins
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He’s also a talented receiver and kick returner. Hopkins caught 42 passes for 705 yards and seven TDs last season. He also had a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown.
How Tennessee football got involved with Justin Hopkins
Hopkins’ recruitment expanded after his sophomore year, attracting more than 20 offers also including Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Auburn, TCU, Michigan State, Iowa and Missouri.
He visited Tennessee for its home game against Alabama on Oct. 19 last season.
The Vols staff was already in regular communication with him at the time. Heupel already saw a fit for him in Knoxville.
“I was talking to Coach Heupel about this,” Hopkins told The Tennessean in September. “He said (Ensworth’s) defense reminds him a lot of their defense, just the excitement and energy, how they play together, they’re an electrifying team. I feel like we’re the exact same way. I could see myself fitting into that program.”
Reach sports writer Tyler Palmateer at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, formerly…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2026-tennessee-football-target-justin-202549982.html
Author : The Tennessean
Publish date : 2025-02-07 20:25:00
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