Missouri lands transfer linebacker out of Florida

The Missouri Tigers are getting a double dose of Hopper in 2022. Florida transfer linebacker Ty’ron Hopper is set to transfer from Gainesville to Columbia to join Eli Drinkwitz’ defense, according to On3’s Matt Zenitz.

The Tigers had the inside track to the Gator transfer. Hopper’s older brother, Tyrone, committed to transfer from North Carolina to Mizzou last month. The Tigers announced the elder Hopper’s signing, along with seven other transfers, last week.

A former top 100 overall recruit in the 2019 recruiting class, Hopper racked up 65 tackles, ten tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in what was a breakout year for the Gators.

During the Gators’ final three games of the season, he had 25 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.

He was ejected during their bowl game against Central Florida after he pushed a UCF offensive lineman to the ground. His father explained why Hopper pushed him after the game – the reportedly player spit in his face.

Tigers land second Hopper

The talented athlete was No. 7 amongst available linebacker prospects in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound defender will face off against his former team in Gainesville next season on Oct. 8.

Coming out of high school, Hopper chose the Gators over South Carolina, Alabama, Cincinnati, Boise State, and others. A native of Alpharetta, Georgia, he played his high school football for Roswell.

On Monday, Ty’ron’s uncle had to clear the air on his nephew’s transfer. After his name popped up in the portal last week, it disappeared over the weekend. His uncle clarified that he never withdrew and still had the intention to transfer.

Prior to the breaking news, it seemed like a toss up for Missouri and Auburn to land the former four-star prospect. However, it was Eli Drinkwitz’ staff that won out, locking in an almost guaranteed starter for 2022. As this is the first transfer of his career, Hopper is immediately eligible to play next season. He could potentially play three more seasons for Mizzou after redshirting in 2019 and receiving eligibility relief for the 2020 season.