Nuk Hopkins Declares for NFL Draft

Release from Clemson

Clemson All-America receiver DeAndre "Nuk" Hopkins, who caught at least one touchdown pass against all 12 FBS opponents the Tigers played in 2012, has decided to forego his senior year and will enter the 2013 NFL draft. Hopkins told his teammates at a team meeting late Thursday afternoon.

"It is tough to leave because this is my home, this is the place I wanted to play since I came out of the womb," said Hopkins. "But, I feel it is best for me and my family to take my talents to NFL at this time.

"I have to thank the Clemson alumni, the fans, the coaches and my teammates for all the support they have given me through the good times and the bad. No matter what I will always be a Clemson Tiger."

Hopkins had one of the best seasons in Clemson history from a receiving standpoint. The native of Central, SC and nearby Daniel High School had 82 receptions for 1405 yards and 18 touchdowns in 13 games. He established ACC records for touchdown receptions in a season, consecutive games with at least one touchdown reception (10) and most games with a reception touchdown (12).

He finished the season with 13 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns in Clemson's win over seventh ranked LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, a 25-24 Clemson victory. His yardage total was a record for the 45-year old bowl game. He was named to a national All-Bowl team as selected by Sports Illustrated this week.

"Nuk was a big reason we won 11 games and reached a final number-10 national ranking," said Head Coach Dabo Swinney "We have had many talks and he feels it is the best thing for him and his family. I fully support him in his decision.

"He will make an outstanding professional. He has the best hands and ability to catch the ball in traffic I have seen in a long time. He has done a lot for this program and we wish him much success at the next level. We all look forward to following his progress."

Hopkins established Clemson career records for touchdown receptions (27), 100-yard receiving games (12), and total reception yards (3020). He is second in total receptions with 206 for his 39 career games. The 191-yard game in the Chick-fil-A Bowl was his sixth 100-yard game of the year, tying the Clemson single season mark. He caught at least one pass in each of his last 36 games to tie Jerry Butler's (1975-78) record.

Hopkins also tied the Clemson mark for touchdown receptions in a game with three on two occasions this year, once against Ball State and once at Duke. Twice he scored three touchdowns in under nine minutes.

Hopkins was named first-team All-ACC and was a second-team All-America selection by Athlon, CBS Sports, Lindy's, Phil Steele and Scout.com. He was a third-team selection by Associated Press. He was also a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award.

Nationally, Hopkins ranked second in the nation in touchdown receptions and was fourth in receiving yardage.

Game (3)

• Total Receptions: 13 vs. Auburn, LSU
• Touchdown Receptions: ^3 vs. Ball State, Duke
• Shortest Time 3 Touchdowns: 7:47 vs. Duke

Season (7)

• Touchdown Receptions: #18
• Consecutive 100-yard Games: ^3
• 100-Yard Receiving Games: ^6
• Receiving Yards/Game: 108.1
• Total Receiving Yards: 1405
• Consecutive Games Receiving Touchdown: #10
• Most Games with TD Catch: #12

Career: (4)

• Touchdown Receptions: 27
• 100-Yard Receiving Games: 12
• Receiving Yards: 3,020
• Consecutive Games Catching a Pass: ^36

^ - Denotes tied record
# - ACC Record

In our opinion Nuk is ready for the NFL. His 40 speed is not elite, but he has football speed. Since he stepped on the field it was easy to see this guy was a football player, not just an athlete playing WR. This is what I said in the Miami Game Film Review in 2010, his first year, when he wasn't getting enough PT over guys like Xavier Dye:

And I don't even think the experience or blocking argument applies to Hopkins too much. This kid can flat out play some football. He may not know everything, but he can catch and he will hit you. Just tell him what route to run.

And he played basketball that year to follow as well, keeping him too thin in 2011. 2012 was the first year he went through a full offseason lifting program, and he put on good weight that we recommended he do. I still think he needs a few pounds for NFL play, but otherwise I see no reason why he wouldn't be successful in the NFL from day 1.

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Source: http://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2013/1/10/3864126/nuk-hopkins-declares-for-nfl-draft

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