A junior at Ell-Saline High School, Eli Hopkins is certainly one to watch for the 2020 football season. A two-way player, Hopkins will turn heads next season as a senior.

“I have played football since I was in the third grade and I play defensive line and running back. I have also wrestled since my 8th grade year. The thing I love most about the sports I play is the physical contact in them,” said Hopkins. “The current situation in our society has helped motivate me for my upcoming senior season, I will not take it for granted.”

At Ell-Saline High School, Hopkins and his teammates take a family approach to everything they do. Hopkins enjoys how close the team is and how they push one another to succeed.

“The thing I like the most about playing sports for Ell-Saline is the family environment. Since we are a small school, everyone basically knows each other inside and outside of school. We are pretty close to each other, which helps strengthen our team bond and family first motives. We also all believe hard work equals wins,” said Hopkins.

Outside of sports, Hopkins is involved in National Honor Society, FCA, Scholars Bowl, Ell-Saline FFA and he participates in Powerlifting. He also volunteers at his church’s Vacation Bible School.

Academics are of upmost importance for Hopkins.

“Academics are extremely important to me and my family. We have been taught from a young age to always keep our grades up and make sure we are always keeping our grades on track,” said Hopkins.

After his high school career comes to an end, Hopkins plans to attend college on an academic scholarship or football scholarship.