Blake Hopkins
Blake Hopkins
About Blake
Expert Analysis
Will Helms | Prep Redzone Scout
Hopkins has been on our radar for a while, and while his tape isn’t the flashiest, he’s quietly improving as much as any interior lineman in the state. It helps that he’s grown a bit since we last had him in camp, and he hasn’t lost a step with his bigger frame. Hopkins can two-gap as an interior defender, and he eats up space, but still has the quickness to shoot gaps and make tackles in the backfield.
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Read EvaluationJoshua Graham | Prep Redzone Scout
James Hopkins | Class of 2028 | Parkwood | Defensive Lineman
Coming in as the #3-ranked DL in the Class of 2028, James Hopkins lived up to the hype—and then some. Standing at 6’2″, 260 pounds, Hopkins is already showing advanced technique with a deep bag of moves and countermoves, clearly a result of the hard work he’s been putting in.
What sets him apart isn’t just his physical tools—it’s his relentless work ethic. Hopkins competed at a consistently high level, bringing intensity to every rep and demonstrating the mindset of a future leader in the trenches.
With his foundation of technique, size, and drive, James Hopkins is already positioning himself as a top defensive line prospect in his class.
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Read EvaluationWill Helms | Prep Redzone Scout
Hopkins knows how to use leverage to his advantage and stonewalls bigger offensive linemen with impressive frequency. Hopkins has a quick first step, but what really stands out on film is his eye discipline. He’s able to guide offensive linemen where he needs to be to make plays in the running game and he always has his head up looking for the ball.
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Read EvaluationMatt Morrow | Prep Redzone Scout
Playing full-time on varsity, James had a productive season with 50 total tackles, 21 of them being solo tackles. That production led to James being selected as an All-Conference player, an impressive feat at a tough position for young players. On film, James has an excellent first step, leading to several tackles for loss in the backfield on running plays. The other impressive thing is his motor – James simply does not stop in running down plays from behind or outside of the box where he lives as a defensive tackle. I am excited to see how James develops going forward physically in Year 2.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
– Have been following him from afar the last two years and seeing him live stamped what I already thought–he can play
– Did a nice job playing defensive end with his 6-foot-1 and 220 pound body and made a lot of plays coming off the edge. If he didn’t make the tackle, also forced plays back inside regularly by keeping containment
– Also big and thick enough to bump inside to play defensive tackle if scheme called for it. Right now, looks ideal for a 3-4 defensive end
– Offensively lined up as an H-Back and Tight End and helped pave the way for a nice running attack for North Carolina. He was bigger than some of the offensive lineman and running power behind him proved to be fruitful
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
A physical force on the Defensive Line at this point, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Hopkins rarely struggles against local competition in the greater Charlotte area. Has started to dabble in the weight room and it shows with his violent hands and strikes coming off the edge as a Defensive End. Understands the importance of hand placement and keeping forward momentum at the point of contact. Also the reigning Union County 170-pound Wrestling Champion as well.
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Read EvaluationEvent Results
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Combine Series: North Carolina
05/04/2025
- 40 Yard Dash #1
- 5.59
- 40 Yard Dash #2
- -
- Shuttle #1
- 4.93
- Shuttle #2
- -
- Broad Jump #1
- 7.5
- Broad Jump #2
- -
- L Drill #1
- 7.69
- L Drill #2
- -
- Vertical #1
- -
- Vertical #2
- -
- Wingspan
- -
- Hand Size
- -
Player Claimed
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Related Players
View other players from the same high school.
Event Results
-
Combine Series: North Carolina
05/04/2025
- 40 Yard Dash #1
- 5.59
- 40 Yard Dash #2
- -
- Shuttle #1
- 4.93
- Shuttle #2
- -
- Broad Jump #1
- 7.5
- Broad Jump #2
- -
- L Drill #1
- 7.69
- L Drill #2
- -
- Vertical #1
- -
- Vertical #2
- -
- Wingspan
- -
- Hand Size
- -