Playing for coach Mike Gottfried and Frank Beamer, Hopkins was a big-play performer from one of the best eras of Racer Football. Earning All-OVC honors in 1982, Hopkins was a ball hawk on defense and special teams. He led the OVC in punt return average with 11.7 yards per attempt and had an 87-yard touchdown return in 1982. Hopkins led the Racers in interceptions in two seasons and currently ranks ninth all-time at MSU with 10. He returned one of his interceptions for a 60-yard touchdown as a senior in 1982. Hopkins was an amazing special teams player who also had seven blocked kicks in his MSU career. Hopkins helped the Racers to 26 wins in his first three seasons, including the OVC Championship in 1979. Hopkins was successful after leaving MSU and played eight seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders. In 1987, he set a CFL record with 1,098 yards in kick returns. He now resides in Calgary, Alberta.
Ronald Hopkins with former teammates and coaches.
Ronald Hopkins accepting his plaque from Director of Athletics Allen Ward.
Class of 2014 with President Tim Miller and Director of Athletics Allen Ward.
