One in 2,185

Daeden Hopkins comes from Hermann, Missouri, a town with 2,185 people in the 2020 census. Few football prospects from there have reached his level.

A tiny football map

Hermann has produced names like Brock Olivo, but Hopkins now stands out as the town's top modern football prospect.

The Subway test

Hopkins explains Hermann's size with one detail: its only chain restaurant was a Subway, and even that has closed.

“we have one chain restaurant in that town, and it's Subway, and it actually just closed down”

Small school numbers

Before starring at Hermann High, Hopkins attended St. George Catholic School. His eighth-grade class had only eight or nine students.

“I graduated eighth grade with like eight or nine people”

Two-way dominance

As a junior in 2023, Hopkins piled up 67 tackles, 9 sacks, 5 pass breakups, a fumble recovery, 691 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Big offers arrived

His play drew Power Four offers from Iowa State, Kansas State, Kansas and Missouri in the fall of his junior season, with more soon after.

Staying close to home

After his recruitment grew, Hopkins chose Missouri. The in-state commitment gave Hermann a direct line to SEC football.

The SEC jump

Hopkins signed in December 2024 and enrolled the next June. He moved from small-town competition to facing massive SEC linemen in practice.

First-rep fear

His first summer OTA rep hit hard. Hopkins admitted he was scared, then found his way through it.

“I was scared. I was really scared”

Freshman trust

Hopkins earned real snaps as a true freshman, playing double digits against Central Arkansas, Louisiana and Massachusetts.

A late flash

Against Mississippi State, he played a season-high 22 snaps, made five tackles and recorded a sack before Missouri preserved his redshirt.

Bigger and stronger

Hopkins stayed through the transfer portal cycle and added nearly 15 pounds of muscle, reaching about 250 pounds before the next season.

A bold projection

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz praised Hopkins at a May event, saying the Hermann native could become a first-round pick if he stays on track.

“if he stays the course, he'll be a first-round draft pick”

Kansas breakthrough

In Missouri's 38-21 win over Kansas, Hopkins posted three tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in his first Power Four game of the season.

Hermann is watching

Hopkins earned co-SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week and leads Missouri with 12 pressures, 2 sacks and 9 hurries through two games.

“It's an honor. It's a blessing to just be recognized in my hometown.”