HARVEST- “I’m ready to go to work and prove myself,” said Xavier Hopkins as the former Sparkman High football standout announced his commitment to attend Clark Atlanta University as a preferred walk-on freshman this fall.

“The school is currently out of money for an additional athletic scholarship this fall, but I will receive some academic scholarship assistance and then qualify for athletic help next year,” added Hopkins who will study sports medicine.

The 5-foot-11, 226-pound linebacker posted 93 tackles in his 2018 senior season at Sparkman before playing in the prestigious Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Houston, Tex. After a lengthy recruiting session lasting months, Hopkins chose to be a walk-on at Alabama State in Montgomery for the 2019 season. After extensive efforts to make the team through coaching changes, Hopkins chose to enter the transfer portal last November.

Since his departure from the Hornets’ program, Hopkins has been on a whirlwind self-promotion tour attempting to secure a new school which to showcase his extensive football talents and continue his education. His search for a new home included sending out his video highlights to potential schools and personal contact with coaching staffs at an array of colleges and universities. One of those potential schools was Clark Atlanta.

“Clark has similar academic opportunities as Alabama State and is a good fit for me,” said Hopkins. “The coaching staff saw my game film and really liked me and they believe I can help them right away.”

Clark Atlanta is a member of the SIAC and sported a winless 0-10 record in 2019. The Panthers definitely need help and Hopkins’ long experience in the sport dating back to age five when he first played for the local youth Sparkman Cougars can certainly be a boost in the defensive schemes of the Panthers.

Hopkins has all four years of eligibility remaining, looks to secure a spot on Clark Atlanta’s team roster in 2020, earn an athletic scholarship for 2021 and beyond and make a difference for the Panthers’ program and for his future.

Hopkins added, “I feel comfortable about my decision. I’ve been working out and I’m ready to go to work.”