Graduate Transfer Update: Will Hopkins is a Mustang

SMU Bolsters Offensive Line

Will Hopkins had a tough choice to make when deciding who to commit to for the 2017 season. The Austin native had two really good options in Rice and SMU, but ultimately chose the Mustangs, where he will bring some much needed experience to a young offensive line unit.

A former walk-on tight end with the Beavers, he arrived for fall camp in 2013 and was awarded a scholarship by September of that year. He moved to the offensive line later that year while using up his redshirt status, and worked his way into the rotation for 2014.

That season he played in 10 games, and as a redshirt sophomore he started two games at left tackle in the 2015 season. He didn’t start any games in 2016 but did see action in three contests.

Choosing SMU over Rice is a big pickup for this coaching staff, who have a number of weapons on offense that will need a good line to help them put up big numbers.

Immediate Impact?

Hopkins won’t come in and be the immediate starter at left tackle, but he should work his way into the rotation and see plenty of action at both tackle positions. He’s a good pickup that should develop into a main rotation piece as conference play starts.