Clemson Tigers Legend Hired by ACC Rival
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The Clemson Tigers were one of a few ACC programs that had to make changes with its staff during the offseason, and a former wide receiver is set to join a conference rival right before training camp.
Georgia Tech lost offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to the Florida Gators this offseason. Faulkner left for the same position at Florida. In Faulkner's place, the Yellow Jackets hired George Godsey. Jafar Williams joined as a wide receivers coach.
Williams is getting some help before training camp.
Per Pete Nakos of On3, GT hired former Clemson wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as an assistant wide receivers coach before training camp.
"Georgia Tech has hired former NFL star receiver DeAndre Hopkins as an assistant wide receivers coach, sources tell Kelly Quinlan and me for On3," Nakos posted on X.
"The former Clemson WR was recently in a coaching role with the Patriots in training camp. CBS first reported he was being targeted to join GT staff. "
Hopkins' decision to go into coaching this season comes as a surprise. During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio in June, Hopkins suggested he would look for a playing role closer to the postseason.
“As I go into my 14th year, of course, I love playing the game, I still love football. But if nothing happens, life is still good, and I’m looking forward to that next chapter,” Hopkins said. I still got a lot of ball left, but it’s not a situation that I’m sitting here trying to force, or go out and be the regular season superstar…
"I know in my position, I’m a utility guy. I’m a special situation kind of guy. I can go out there and beat anybody one-on-one, anytime. As of lately, I’ve been a third-down guy. I wasn’t used in the red zone last year. But third down, they can come to me. So, I don’t think that’ll change anytime soon.”
Hopkins was a standout receiver at Clemson before being drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He recorded 82 receptions for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2012, his final season with the Tigers.
Hopkins will have a homecoming of sorts when Georgia Tech travels to play Clemson on Nov. 14.
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