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Nate Hopkins
Hopkins is the Huskies first commitment from Texas since 2012, and he could be the first Texas commit to step on campus since 2008. Listed at 6-foot-1, 215 lbs, Hopkins held offers from Army, Boise State, Illinois and Navy before ultimately choosing UConn. He is rated as a 3-star recruit by 247Sports.com and Scout.com, and a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com.
According to Scout.com:
"Hopkins is a bruising ball-carrier who is the type of back to wear down a defense over the course of a game. Possesses great size for the position. Runs through arm tackles and makes the most of his carries, whether turning a loss into no gain or short gain to several yards. Capable of punishing defenders at the second level. Doesn't possess "home run" speed, but shows good burst and one-cut ability."
Hopkins had a very successful senior year, rushing for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns. He does most of his damage in-between the tackles but doesn't currently do much catching out of the backfield.
Ja'Kevious Vickers
With Hopkins being more of a power back, Ja'Kevious Vickers projects as more of a scat-back or change-of pace runner. Standing 5-foot-11, 195 lbs, Vickers played at Glades Central HS in Belle Glade, FL. He was in attendance for two of the Huskies' biggest wins of the season, The #ConFLiCT and the upset victory over Houston.
Both 247Sports.com and Rivals.com have Vickers listed as a 2-star prospect.
With the Huskies have a very group of running backs, with Arkeel Newsome, Ron Johnson and Josh Marriner all rising juniors. Hopkins could step into the do-it-all back role left by senior Max DeLorenzo, but both will need to battle this summer to see the field this fall.