Hopkins football receives recruitment interest

The Hopkins Football program, while not always having the best team success, has almost always had players go on to the next level and play college football. This year the Royals have had both a successful record of 6-2 and several players receive interest from all NCAA and NAIA divisions.

On offense, Hopkins had a relatively strong year running and passing. This is due in part to successful years from wideout Brayone Murff, senior, who lead the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns and tight end Jimmy Murphy who paved the way on countless run plays while still contributing in the passing game. 

Murff has committed to the University of Minnesota Duluth after receiving interest from multiple schools.

Murphy remains uncommitted as of now. He has been offered a scholarship by Valparaiso University and is being looked at by other schools such as the University of Northern Iowa, Dartmouth College, and Butler University. 

Other players likely to be receiving interest: receiver Ty Bennett, senior, running back Ricky Dixon, junior, and offensive/defensive lineman AJ Torfin, junior. Bennett spent a portion of the season injured, but was a huge boost to the Royals’ passing attack when healthy with his ability to stretch the field and score on any given play. 

Torfin who saw plenty of action playing on both sides of the ball spent much of the season clearing running lanes for Dixon, who lead the team in rushing.

The playmakers at all three levels of the Hopkins defense anchored multiple dominant performances throughout the season. Deonte Bryant, senior, anchored the defensive line for the Royals, making big plays at crucial times in several games.

Bryant has received interest from schools such as North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and the University of Nebraska.

In the middle of the defense, linebackers RJ Chakolis, junior, and Demetrius Patton, senior, kept opposing running backs and receivers in check with Chakolis leading the team in tackles and Patton leading the team in interceptions. 

Chakolis has been recruited by the University of Minnesota, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, and Western Illinois. Patton has received an offer from the University of Jamestown.

AJ Campbell, senior, was a Swiss Army Knife out of his safety position, allowed to roam the field Campbell was often found attacking the run like a heat seeking missile or breaking up passes in the secondary. Campbell has also received a scholarship offer from the University of Jamestown.