4-star WR Adam Hopkins commits to Auburn: 'I have bonds with all these guys'

Last Saturday, Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central four-star wide receiver Adam Hopkins was at Auburn‘s 24-16 win over San Jose State on his official visit. It was the latest moment in which he realized that Auburn was the place for him.

When speaking with the Tigers’ coaches on the phone, he had good conversations. He bonded with multiple staffers, including wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard.

Those relationships made the difference for Hopkins. He committed to Auburn on Thursday over programs including Arkansas, Florida State, Kansas State and Texas A&M.

“I’m talking to all of them,” Hopkins told On3 about his connection with the Tigers’ staff. “At this moment, I have bonds with all these guys. At the other schools, I just have bonds with a few people and I really don’t know the others… With them, I just have everybody bonding with me. That’s cool. I’ve never had that before.”

It isn’t just Auburn’s coaching staff, however. Hopkins was intrigued by everything that the Tigers had to offer, both on and off the field.

“First, it’s the education,” said Hopkins, the No. 196 overall prospect and No. 29 wide receiver in the 2023 On3 Consensus. “The education is great up there. The environment is well-placed. Second, of course football. The plays that they run, I feel like I fit in that (system).”

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Auburn’s coaches, game environment stand out to Hopkins

Auburn was on Hopkins’ list when he was an underclassman. But then, head coach Gus Malzahn and his staff were fired and he lost contact with the Tigers.

It started up again when head coach Bryan Harsin took over the program. Even though he has bonds with numerous coaches, Hopkins’ connection with Hilliard stands out. His future position coach last coached wide receivers for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was an All-American at Florida.

“He’s a good guy, man,” Hopkins said of Hilliard. “When I was there, I talked to him. We kept it cordial. We talked about football, talked about education, talked about a lot of stuff. You know he has a big impact on the team because when you go down there, everybody’s just saying, ‘Coach Hilliard’s good…'”

Hopkins added that Harsin is a “good guy.” The two have previously talked in Harsin’s office. One thing Hopkins appreciates about Harsin is his honesty.

“He’s head-on,” Hopkins said. “He gives it to me straight. He lets me know how things are.”

One thing that Hopkins is looking forward to is the atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Watching Auburn defeat San Jose State made a big impression on the 5-foot-11, 174 pound prospect.

“I’ve never really went to a game where it’s been so hype the whole time,” Hopkins said. “I got excited with the band.”