Darren is going to be a DL/Edge to keep an eye on over in MN. His 6′ 235 lbs frame features a 6’2″ wingspan. All my notes from Darren revolve around his work once the pads went on. The ’28 made a lot of noise with how explosive he was off the line of scrimmage and how he had the ability to instantly turn speed to power that was whooping OTs his age. The advanced development allowed Darren the chance to get to move up to the higher competition groups; an honor that was not given out much this year. Darren is advanced in his hand use, leverage, and that strength at the point of contact flashed throughout the reps I was able to watch.

Another Outstater that hit my radar in the live evals at the UWEC Big Man MEGA Camp in the 2028 class, was Mankato West’s Darren Hoppe Darren Hoppe 6'0" | 225 lbs | DL/EDGE Mankato West | 2028 MN . The nearly 6’0 235 pounder for the Scarlets, was a quickly noted contact seeker in the reps we got to watch that showed blue-collar type hands in the 1v1 reps I watched chomping at the bit into the backfield. He’s one that the more reps I watched, the more quick growth you could see out of Darren with his coachability. Light on the tape as well, but one that the live eval helped elevate his game and stock via the live eval.