Virginia Tech football: 98 days until kickoff with a look back at Derrick Hopkins

As of today, there is 98 days left until the Virginia Tech Hokies kick off the 2019 season at the Boston College Eagles. Today is the second installment of our countdown, which takes a look back at a former Hokie who wore the corresponding number from our countdown.

That leads us to Derrick Hopkins.

Hopkins played defensive tackle for the Hokies from 2010-13. During three of those seasons, Hopkins played alongside his older brother, Antoine, who is two years older than Derrick.

Hopkins, a 6’0”, 311-pound defensive tackle from Highland Springs High School in Highland Springs, Va., played sparingly as a freshman before becoming a three-year starter for the Hokies at defensive tackle. Him and Antoine started beside one another for parts of two years, becoming the second pair of brothers to start side-by-side on the defensive line at Virginia Tech following the Lewis brothers, Jonathon and Kevin.

Hopkins finished his outstanding career in Blacksburg with 169 total tackles, 70 of the solo variety, 26.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. He was one of the more underrated defenders in all of college football back in 2014 and ended that season being named to the All-ACC second team. Had the Hokies been better, Hopkins would have been a first-team selection.

He went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft but signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. Hopkins also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons.

These days, Hopkins is be back in the Richmond area, coaching the defensive line for his alma mater, in addition to being a project manager for a construction firm. He also helps young, aspiring defensive linemen with private coaching sessions and looks to have a bright future on the sideline.

So, Hokies, who should be number 97?