While Auburn basketball is currently celebrating its first #1 ranking in program history, the recruiting grind hasn’t stopped for those in charge of Auburn football. Making his way onto the Tigers’ radar is former Florida linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper.
The LB originally entered the transfer portal last week before quickly pulling his name back out, appearing satisfied to stay on Billy Napier’s first-year roster. However, today Matt Zenitz of On3 Sports reported that Hopper is back in the portal and looking for a new program.
Hopper originally chose Florida over schools including Alabama, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Auburn, but now the Tigers could be the frontrunner for the former Gator:
A couple of the early schools to keep an eye on with Ty’Ron Hopper: Auburn and Missouri.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 24, 2022
Former top-70 overall recruit who posted 65 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks for the Gators last season.https://t.co/xWsWSZF8sP https://t.co/j1lYD6lxzQ
As a freshman, Hopper appeared in four games for the Gators as a reserve linebacker and on special teams, and in 2020 he finished up with 15 tackles in 11 game appearances. 2021 was a major step up for Hopper’s career, and he played in all 13 games and earned four starts, recording 65 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
A major reason that Auburn football could be in the lead for Ty’Ron Hopper? His former position coach Chrisitan Robinson is now officially the Tigers’ linebackers coach. According to On3 Sports’ Nikki Chavanelle, Robinson was a major factor in Hopper’s recruitment out of high school:
"Robinson was a critical piece of the linebacker’s recruitment to Gainesville and his position coach for the past three years. A redshirt sophomore, the gifted linebacker will have three years of eligibility remaining (a free COVID year included)."
Hopper would be joining a room full of talented linebackers including Owen Pappoe and UNC transfer Eugene Asante.