On300 LB Jarcoby Hopson gets a closer look at contenders this summer

BRADENTON, Fla. — Jarcoby Hopson is one of the best linebackers in the country in next year’s recruiting cycle, and the On300 defender got a closer look at several key contenders over the course of the summer.

Hopson, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 15-rated backer in the 2025 class out of Horn Lake (Miss.) Lake Cormorant High School, has been all over the Southeast in recent months. That includes stops at Auburn, Florida State, Texas A&M and in-state to both Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

The staff at Auburn, including linebackers coach Josh Aldridge, made a strong impression on Hopson during his visit to The Plains.

“Auburn was very cool, the coaches were cool,” he started. “It was a very good environment, very good people, who can produce you … what stood out was how close they were. We were talking about football and they were showing me what I can improve at and what I can do to get better and get on the field quickly.”

The On300 linebacker has been a top target for Florida State, including head coach Mike Norvell, who has made a habit out of recruiting his old stomping grounds near Mississippi.

“Coach Norvell is a cool guy,” Hopson started. “He invites us into his office and told us how special we were and how much he wanted to recruit us, and it was a blessing and I’m so thankful for it. He didn’t have to do that, and I like how Florida State is … how the team is bonded, how everything is so together over there. I really think they’re building toward something and they’re gonna have a good season this year.”

Since D.J. Durkin was elevated to defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, the Aggies have been making in-roads across Mississippi. In the process, they have also garnered Hopson’s eye in a big way.

“It was very fun to watch them practice,” recounted Hopson, the No. 141 overall recruit in the 2025 class, said. “I like Coach Durkin — how he’s in touch with me, how he tells me the truth and everything. It’s a very cool place to be and I was so excited to be there. I’ve never seen any place like that before.”

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hopson also toured through both Ole Miss and Mississippi State recently.

First-year Rebels defensive coordinator Pete Golding has taken a liking to the state’s No. 6-rated junior recruit. So has first-year defensive-minded State HC Zach Arnett.

“Ole Miss is cool and I like Coach Pete,” Hopson started. “He told us I can help the defense out and where I can play in the defense, and he thinks I’ll be good there. What stood out was how they practice. It’s hot, but the coaches, the players, they get after it.”

“It’s been cool,” the four-star backer added on State. “I like the coaches and the players there. Coach Arnett is a cool, hype guy. He’s a very high-energy guy, a very smart guy. I like how he puts it on the line about how much they want me and how I can get better there.”

Hopson is eyeing visits back to Ole Miss, Auburn and also to Tennessee next.

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