Major: Sociology (1999-00), Undeclared (1997-98)

Weight: 305 (1999-00), 295 (1998), 315 (1997)

2000 Media Guide: The versatile Tam Hopkins is eager to continue the progress he made last year. After making the move from guard to tackle prior to the 1999 season, Hopkins improved the entire year and was rewarded with his first collegiate start in the season’s finale. That type of development, along with Hopkins’ strength and explosiveness off the line, has the OSU coaching staff bursting with excitement over what’s to come. “I like what I see in Tam a lot,” George Belu, offensive line coach, said. “He is willing to spend time doing the little things right and that is the difference between being good and just being average. I like Tam’s toughness and he is one of the strongest lineman we have.” Hopkins has also been described as a player with a mental approach to the game. He will enter the 2000 season listed as the projected starter at right guard on the two-deep, and his ability to play tackle as well should be invaluable as the season progresses.

1999: Played in all 12 games and started one, the season finale against Michigan … the start against the Wolverines was the first of his collegiate career … saw action at both tackle and guard … logged 79 minutes of playing time, including a season-high 28 minutes against Michigan … also played 18 minutes against UCLA.

1999 Media Guide: Tam Hopkins concentrated solely on the right tackle position this spring after spending his first two years working as an offensive guard. The position was unfamiliar at first, but by the end of spring drills, Hopkins had closed the gap and left himself in an excellent position to challenge for the starting position this fall. Extremely athletic for his size who is also strong and explosive, according to line coach Mike Jacobs. Hopkins has played in 16 games and 135 minutes throughout his career.

1998: The season did not start well for Hopkins when he suffered a fracture/dislocation of his right ankle the first week of spring practice. He worked hard on his rehabilitation over the summer and he did return for the start of fall camp. Played nine games as the backup to all-Big Ten guard Ben Gilbert. Totaled 90 minutes with a high game of 24 minutes vs. Indiana.

1998 Media Guide: Very talented young lineman and one with a bright future … had his upwardly mobile progress halted the first week of spring practice this April when he suffered a fracture/dislocation of his right ankle …had surgery and then was in a walking boot for six weeks … Started his rehabilitation immediately thereafter and he is expected to be at full strength in the fall … he will challenge once again for increased playing time and, possibly, a starting spot somewhere along the line … plays guard but Coach Cooper has said that he could play some at tackle … called “strong and explosive” by line coach Mike Jacobs.

1997: Methodically worked his way up the depth chart last year and finished the season as the No. 2 right guard behind Ben Gilbert … played in seven games for a total of 45 minutes … played season high nine minutes against both Indiana and Michigan State …was hospitalized with pneumonia over the Christmas break and missed playing in the Nokia Sugar Bowl, but returned to school in January.

High School: Will come in and compete for one of the three openings on the offensive line … ferocious run-blocker … was a first-team USA Today selection on offense … All-America selection by The National Recruiting Advisor, G&W Report, Prep Football Report and SuperPrep … was rated the top lineman in the state of Florida by the Jacksonville Times-Union … was one of two OSU signees named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team, along with linebacker Courtland Bullard.

Personal: Son of Linda Hopkins (father is deceased) … enjoys working on old cars, (rebuilding the engine, body work and the interior) … born 3-22-78.