Nuk Hopkins announced Thursday that he’s going test the NFL waters
Dabo Swinney isn’t sure DeAndre Hopkins made the right call when he announced Thursday that he’s leaving early for the NFL draft.
“I felt like he needed another year”, Swinney said. I felt like another year would be beneficial to him from an overall growth standpoint. That’s my opinion. I’ve said this before: unless you are a first rounder I just don’t think it’s worth giving up your senior year in college. That’s what my life experience tells me. I’ve been in college football for 24 years as a player and coach I just think you are always better off more times than not in another year of college maturing physically and mentally in every regard…unless you have a chance to be a first rounder.”
It was rather odd to hear Swinney compare Hopkins’ potential to earn seven figures next year in the NFL to his own decision to return to Alabama for a senior season as a reserve wide receiver (He started his career as a walk-on at Alabama). Dabo pointed out, a million dollars doesn’t go as far as it used to and that another year to develop mentally and physically would have been invaluable for Hopkins.
“I don’t think where it is today second round money or third round money, after you pay the government and agent and buy a car and a few clothes and give momma something…I don’t think that’s worth it. Now that’ s my opinion. I’ve been a senior and I wouldn’t take anything for the experience I had as a senior. I certainly wasn’t going to be a second round draft pick. I hope that Nuk can be. I hope that he can possibly move up, but I just don’t know.”
Swinney said his opinion is that Hopkins won’t be a first rounder. He said Hopkins received a second round grade, but his concern is that he could potentially drop. Even though Swinney doesn’t necessarily agree with Hopkins decision to turn pro now, Swinney is confident he will do well in the NFL.
“I know this, he’s going to be a great pro, Swinney said. “Whoever gets him, there’s no doubt about that. It’s not a matter of can he go play. I think he’s going to play at a high level. I think he’s going to be a great player. The challenge is you have to play four or five years. If you don’t go in at a high level you have to play four or five years to get to a second contract and the odds are way against you to do that.”
Take a listen to Swinney’s comments below:
AUDIO: Dabo Swinney on Hopkins/Boyd [7:11]
Boy that guy is selfish beyond belief.
Dabo’s quote right after the Hopkins’ decision from espn:
“Nuk was a big reason we won 11 games and reached a final No. 10 national ranking,” coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement. “We have had many talks and he feels it is the best thing for he and his family. I fully support him in his decision.”
“He will make an outstanding professional. He has the best hands and ability to catch the ball in traffic I have seen in a long time. He has done a lot for this program and we wish him much success at the next level. We all look forward to following his progress.”
Guess Sammy’s not looking so reliable now…
A real piece of work, that Dabo. That said, USC’s two recent WRs who went pro and ended up committing suicide do point out hat the money isn’t all that it is made out to be. If only the agents were truly there for the player’s interests, it might not be so bad. I adm a USC fan but thought highly of Nuk, and I hope is drafted high — immediately after every Gamexock in the draft.
I think Dabo showed his real concerns for his players a coupld of years ago with Parker, almost telling him he’s “got to stay” or their season is doomed, “we’ve done alot for you” and all the pressure that was placed on him. Felt sorry for the guy, really. Now with Boyd testing the waters, I’m sure he was told that he’s got to stay, or that his test of his worth showed, he ain’t worth that much against teams that can really play. Now, Hopkins. Poor kid just wants to go for the gold and his coach is trying to lure him back in for another season, not for the kids stock, but for his own. I’d bust him right in the mouth if I was Hopkins. Is Clemson really this way?
Stephen,
McKinley never left a suicide and Murdock, who transferred from Carolina after one season, was still a member of the Titans so maybe you shouldn’t assume money was the reason they they took their lives. Hopkins has a chance at a first round pick to second round pick. Alshon got almost $2 million in guaranteed money as an early second round pick. No one should blame Hopkins for leaving. Dabo should shut his mouth but of course that will never happen.
Why do so many people have a problem when a guy is asked a question and he gives an honest answer? Really people? He said he has no doubt that Nuk will be a great pro…he just thought he should have stayed another year to enhance his skills and potential money…he told Nuk the same thing and Nuk didn’t go nuts like you guys did…he is a great player but if Clemson has depth at any position, it’s at receiver….the returners plus redshirt Germone Hopper, who will be fantastic…nick saban says the same thing a few years ago about a guy leaving early and no one says a word…you cock fans are just obsessed with dabo…its amazing how you people take everything he says out of context…but again, we should not be surprised…especially at Kevin
Dabo should NOT shut his mouth. There is NOTHING, no amount of money that can replace a senior year in college & it is far from selfish to want that experience for a player. Dabo is a wise coach & does want what’s best for his players & Clemson University & Hopkins staying another year would put him higher in the draft & give him much more exposure & maturity to handle it all – that’s just a good honest business move for everyone – Nuke IS awesome but he isn’t NFL ready – love you Nuke but you’re not ready & money IS NOT everything. And shamecocky fans, superrier is the worst example to hold up as anything other than selfish, running his fat obnoxious mouth everywhere about nothing should make YOU shut your mouth & be embarrassed. Dabo is very real, much more real than you have any clue – again, your example is spurrier – a naricistic & crazy person? HAHA, what a joke, who is proving every day that winning is all the shamecockys can handle, no room for class or concern. Go back into the fair weathered fan woodwork you came from & stay out of our business.
who cares!!!!!
I don’t think anything is out of “context”.
Boy wants to go pro.
Dabo wants him to stay.
Boy wants to make a lot of money
Dabo wants to make a lot of money
Boy has served Clemson well
Clemson wants boy to serve them more
Not for the boy’s best interest, but Clemson’s.
If they haven’t done it before, I may believe you, but they have.
Great move Dumbo throw the guy who helped you the most under the bus. Real smart move pointing out his bad points to the scouts.
Didn’t Hopkins set an ACC record this season? His stock couldn’t get any higher. He will likely be a high draft pick(1st 2 rounds) and sign a high paying contract. Dabo just wants what’s best for Dabo. It’s not hard to tell. What if he came back and had a career ending injury? Most people don’t have the opportunity to make NFL money in their life. Nuke is doing the right thing and Dabo needs to get over himself.
Dabo Swinney is all in alright. All in for himself.