Hopkins Setting Records

Derrick Hopkins has incredible speed, but will he get on the field enough this season to show it off?

From Greg Auman - The Bulls have plenty of speed on offense. Both Terrence Mitchell and Lindsey Lamar have made a name for themselves with their blinding speed on the field. But there is another Bull that hardly touched the field last season, but is making a name for himself on the track, Derrick Hopkins. [keep reading]

The Bulls went through a lot of growing pains last season as the wide receiver position as they tried to figure out which players were best suited on offense and dealt with the injuries to Griffin and Love. Hopkins only saw action in two games and was never a factor on offense.

This offseason however, the 5'5" 155-pound redshirt freshman is turning heads as he sets records for the track team. Hopkins took the individual titles in the 60 meter and 200 meter sprints at the Big East track finals.

Hopkins didn't play much last season and heading into this Spring, it is not clear what kind of role he will play. His size is a factor, being only 5'5", he provides the quarterback with a small target and can't take too much punishment. But with his speed and elusiveness, the offense could find ways to get him the ball in space, either as the slot receiver, screens, or other plays that allow him to catch the ball in open space and let his speed create plays.

I expect this Spring and Fall that Holtz and Fitch will work on some special plays and schemes to get Hopkins the ball. His speed makes him a dangerous weapon, especially with Lamar and Mitchell on offense as well.