Mizzou linebacker becomes 10th Tiger to declare for NFL Draft
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou linebacker Ty'ron Hopper will look to bring his talents to the next level. The former Florida transfer declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, on Saturday.
With that, the tally of MU players headed to the Draft is up to 10.
Hopper, a Butkus Award finalist, had one year of eligibility remaining, but decided to take the next step. He joins fellow defensive standouts cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, safety Jaylon Carlies and defensive lineman Darius Robinson in guys to make that decision.
Hopper was on a hot stretch before suffering an injury that would sideline him for the final two games of the year. Before that happened, he led the team with 55 tackles on the year. He missed out on the Florida game and the Cotton Bowl win against Ohio State, but still finished the year with sick tackles for loss and three sacks.
He stormed onto the Columbia scene as a Gator transfer in 2022. In his first year in the black and gold, he tallied 77 tackles, a team-high 14 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception.
Hopper addressed Tiger football fans one more time on social media.
"As I reflect on my college career, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible experience and people I've met during this journey. I want to thank God for giving me the ability to play this game at such a high level and for continuing to open new doors along the way. Thank you to my family for your guidance—I wouldn't be where I am today without you all," he said. "My time as a Tiger will stay with me forever. Thank you to my teammates and coaches for believing in me and helping to shape me into the player I am today. Thank you to the fans for your unwavering support and passion for our team."
