Purdue TE Brycen Hopkins credits Jeff Brohm with preparing him for NFL opportunity
Brycen Hopkins is one of nearly five dozen former B1G stars who will have the opportunity to show off his skills during the NFL Scouting Combine. After another big year on the field, the former Purdue tight end has a chance to work himself up the draft boards.
Tuesday, Hopkins spoke with the media about the opportunity to advance his career from the college game to the NFL level. And if you watched him play, it was pretty obvious he’s capable of performing on the biggest stage.
Hopkins credited head coach Jeff Brohm for preparing him for this chance.
“I think Coach Brohm did a great job preparing me, just exposing me, showing my capability and using me in a way that he thought was the best fit for his offense,” Hopkins told reporters. “Even coming in, knowing he was a tight ends guy and that he was going to use me well, it was an exciting opportunity for myself. I think he and I both took advantage of it.”
Hopkins flourished in all three seasons with Brohm at the helm, but the tight end enjoyed his best year in 2019. Hopkins hauled in 61 catches for 830 yards and seven touchdowns to conclude his career at Purdue.
In the three yeas since Brohm arrived in West Lafayette, Hopkins recorded 120 receptions for 1,762 yards and 12 touchdowns. He helped lead the Boilermakers to two bowl games during those three seasons, as well.
And while most of the attention was on Hopkins’ catch totals, he also needed to learn the position a little bit better in Brohm’s offense.
“I had to understand the position that I was in and the opportunity that I had to make plays for the offense,” Hopkins said. “I think he did a great job of getting me the ball and also putting me in line and showing me that I could block a little bit and fight down there in the trenches. Just all around, I think he did a good job of exposing me and the player that I am.”
Hopkins is one of two former Purdue players attending the NFL Combine, along with linebacker Markus Bailey.