University of Dubuque

Theo Hopkins Jr. joined UD in 2021 and will be coaching Corner Backs / Pass Game Coordinator (first season as pass coordinator).
 
He earned his bachelor’s degree in 2019 from Quincy University. He started his collegiate career at Illinois State and played his final three seasons with Quincy University as a cornerback and running back. Hopkins played defensive back and running back with the Hawks after transferring from Illinois State. Hopkins Jr. played in the secondary in the 2016 and 2017 season before moving to the offensive side as a running back in his senior year in 2018. 
 
Last season accolades at UD: coached Tyler Geiman – A-R-C Defensive Player of the Week (10/18/21), D3football.com Team of the Week (9/5/21), AFCA 2^nd Team All-American (2021), Associated Press DIII All-American (2021), D3football.com 3^rd team All-Region 5 (2021), a nominee for the 2021 Cliff Harris Award awarded to the nation’s top small college defensive player, A-R-C 1^st team All-Conference (2021), A-R-C leader in interceptions (6), 2^nd in the nation NCAA Division III) in interceptions (8).
 
Team Accolades 2021 Season at UD: 1^st in A-R-C in interceptions (20), 1^st in A-R-C redzone defense (68.2), 1^st in A-R-C defensive passing efficiency (111.9), 2^nd in A-R-C total defense (333.9 avg/g)

Prior to UD, Hopkins was a graduate assistant at Quincy University working with the cornerbacks and special teams. In 2019, he coached at Westminster College as defensive back and was passing game coordinator. At Westminster they were ranked third in total defense in the UMAC and he coached three players who finished with multiple interception games.

A Chicago native, Hopkins Jr. who was standout student-athlete at Leo Catholic High School where he earned All-City, All-Conference, and All-Area honors in football and was an All-State performer in track and field under legendary Leo track coach Ed Adams. He resides in Dubuque, Iowa with his girlfriend Breanna.