SMU offers DE

[Lotus]

Moton Hopkins
Strongside defensive end
Universal City (Randolph), Texas

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 245 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.7 seconds

Schools of interest:
New Mexico St., SMU, Tulsa (all offered)

[BUS]

Honestly, I could see him growing to 265. At least I would hope so.

Or is his speed good enough for a LB?

[mrydel]

Too slow for a LB especially in Bennett's scheme.

[BUS]

Question:
The Cedar Hill LB runs a 4.6 and the DE runs a 4.7. 4.6 IS LB speed but 4.7 is NOT. Even with 20 and hopefully 30 more pounds???

I am looking for more reasoning or is it that 4.6 LB's is not SMU's desire.

[mrydel]

To be honest I am not a big fan of the 40 times. I want a quick 5 yard time, and quick reaction and closing speed for LBs and DBs. I ran a 4.7 when I played. Granted that was in loose tennis shoes on a cinder track and no blocks, and was hand timed so I do not know the true speed. All I know is that LBs today are and should be faster than I was. Also, Bennett likes the fast LBS, RE: Dat Ngyen (sp?) with the Cowboys. Size is not as important. Of course a combination of big and quick is always best.

My thoughts would be is you have a 6'3" 245 and 4.7, try to bulk him more and keep him quick, and put him on the line. I would like my LBs, especially outside to be 4.5 and maybe 4.6 depending on closing speed. I want the reaction time from "there's the ball" to "here I am" to be very fast. Maybe this guy can do that. It would certainly be the coaches decision, that's why they get the big bucks.

[ClassOf81]

Or might this be a guy who could be pumped up to play DT?

And I'm not sure about the speed. I would think he could be effective at that speed in the middle. But you''re right, OLBs have to be 4.5 or 4.55.