NOTE: This is the first of a three-part series profiling Shelby native and Missouri football standout Ty’ron Hopper as he prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Football has taken Ty’Ron Hopper places and provided opportunities one could only dream of. However, the Shelby native isn’t shy about where his competitive spirit derives.
“I’ll always remember playing at Shelby City Park. I grew up playing ball there, first playing for the Steelers and then moving up and playing for the Panthers,” Hopper said. “It was always so competitive, and it’s really molded how I play football. I can think of two other guys I played with during those days, Jaylon Scott and Dax Hollifield, who came through and played college ball as well.
“It’s really a badge of honor to represent Shelby and (North and South) Carolina ball as a whole. There’s always something left for us to prove and accomplish.”
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Next month, the University of Missouri product hopes to add another accolade by hearing his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft. The event is to take place April 25-27 in Detroit, with Hopper projected as a Day 3 pick.
“I feel I played in a conference that prepares you like no other,” said Hopper. “In the SEC, you play the biggest, fastest and strongest guys in the country. No one truly prepares you for what’s to come in the NFL; but (SEC) is the closest thing to it.”
Hopper was an all-SEC performer both of his seasons at Missouri, racking up 133 tackles, 5.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. The Tigers won 17 games during…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-shelby-native-missouri-footballs-080036190.html
Author : The Star
Publish date : 2024-03-20 08:00:36
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