Crystal River heads into a stretch of district games starting this Friday that will determine their playoff future. Sitting towards the bottom of 5A-5 district with an overall 1-2 record, the Pirates will need to pull together and lean on their playmakers to provide a springboard into this district run.

One of those playmakers would be junior receiver Keshon Hopkins. In a run oriented, misdirection offense, Hopkins leads the team in receptions (5) and receiving yards (110). He is second on the team in all-purpose yards with 198 yards in 3 games and also leads the team in scoring with 24 points on the season.

After watching Hopkins this summer and on film early this season, we really like a lot of what he does. Great size, right around 6-2. He has good speed, runs under control and really good ball skills. The crazy thing is, Hopkins is just a junior with a high ceiling and plenty of room for development. We were able to catch up with the BCP E7 camper and conducted a short and simple Q & A.

BCP: What bonded the team this summer?
KS: We went to a team camp where we bonded really well there.

BCP: What team will you play this season that will present the biggest challenge?
Probably Eastside or North Marion.

BCP: Where has your play increased and improved from last season?
KS: I got a lot better at running good routes and focusing on the ball more often.

BCP: Who on your team has displayed the leadership for your team to follow?
KS: Me and a few other people.

BCP: What was your best game so far this year and why?
KS: Our first game against Nature Coast, I had 3 TDs, 2 rec TDs and 1 rushing TD. I scored the game winning TD!

BCP: How is recruiting? What schools are showing interest?
KS: I don’t have any. I have been going to a lot of camps over the summer. I went to a BCP camp and did well up there.