Missouri linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper is a defensive prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft who possesses instant starter potential. Hooper participated in both this year’s Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Scouts have been impressed with him throughout the process.

Hopper recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Hooper discussed a journey that took him from Florida to Missouri, his favorite aspects of playing the linebacker position, his experience at the combine, and so much more.

JM: You had two great seasons at Missouri, totaling 133 tackles, 20 for loss, eight pass breakups, and 5.5 sacks across that time frame. How did you take steps forward at Missouri?

Ty’Ron Hopper: It all started with the coaching staff. That’s the honest truth. They put me in great positions to be successful. They understood how to highlight the things I do well on the field. I did a lot of covering and blitzing in our defense. Doing things of that nature kept me involved and around the ball. 

JM: How do you reflect on the decision to transfer to Missouri from Florida? I can’t help but notice you opted to stay in the SEC.

Ty’Ron Hopper: I knew I wanted to stay in the SEC the moment I entered the transfer portal. I knew that right away. I didn’t want to play outside the SEC conference. I felt like Missouri was the best fit for me. They were looking for a linebacker in the portal with my qualities.

The fit was seamless. Transferring to Missouri was the best decision I could have made for my career. It worked out well. Everything has been going well for me and my pre-draft stock ever since.

JM: You’re extremely instinctive and rangy on tape. How did you develop that aspect of your game?

Ty’Ron Hopper: I played some cornerback in high school. That definitely played a huge role. I was a defensive back in high school. I didn’t know I was going to play linebacker until later on. I started at cornerback as a sophomore at high school in South Carolina. My junior year when I moved to Roswell High School, I started playing a little outside linebacker. My senior year, I played just safety and cornerback.

JM: You became instinctive through those experiences. At Missouri, you were primarily used as a weak-side backer to the field where you utilized speed and range. Do you feel like that’s your best fit at the next level as well?

Ty’Ron Hopper: I honestly feel like I can play either side. I feel like I have the ability to play sideline to sideline. I’m strong, fast, smart, and physical. I can communicate and make all of the calls. Whatever team drafts me, they’ll decide what they need me to do and what my best overall fit is for their team. 

If they feel like I need to be playing strong-side, the MIKE position, I can do that as well.

JM: Talk to me about playing man and zone coverage. Today’s linebacker has to defend the pass.

Ty’Ron Hopper: I love playing man coverage. To be honest with you, I love man way more than I love zone coverage. Zone is really easy for me. Actually, they’re both easy. When you have your man, you’re just following him around and locking him down.

Playing zone is really easy as well. You’re basically just getting to a spot. You take whatever comes into your zone. It’s yours. You have to read and react to break on the ball. I’m extremely twitchy so I make good reads on the ball.

Playing cornerback and safety in high school exposed me to a lot of different coverages. I’m prepared to play man and zone coverage at the next level.

JM: You look like a natural on tape. What was your experience like at this year’s NFL Combine?

Ty’Ron Hopper: I had a great experience at the NFL Combine. I met with so many teams. I showed them exactly who Ty’Ron Hopper is throughout those interviews. I displayed my football IQ and my understanding of playing the linebacker position.

I really enjoyed the position drills as well. I showcase how smooth of a mover I am in the open field.

JM: Did you have any formal interviews at the combine? Do you have any Top 30 visits coming up?

Ty’Ron Hopper: I have a few Top 30 visits coming up. I already completed a visit and have a lot more coming up. I also did eight formals at the combine.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. I’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Ty’Ron Hopper going to make at the next level?

Ty’Ron Hopper: I feel like I’m going to come in and make a huge impact right away for whichever team drafts me. I can play on special teams as well. Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to put my best foot forward. I’m going to excel at whatever position they put me in.

I’m going to be the next great linebacker in the league.