A Journey of Determination and Purpose
Santana Hopper, a standout at Shelby High School in North Carolina, has always shown a strong desire to succeed. His journey, however, took an unexpected turn when he became a father while still in high school. This responsibility only fueled his determination even more, pushing him to strive for greatness both on and off the field.
Now, as he enters his senior season of college football and his first year with the University of Colorado (CU), Hopper is focused on making this his best year yet. “Oh, this is what I’ve been dreaming for right here,” he said of playing for a Power Four conference team. “That’s one thing I haven’t got to do on a consistent basis was, like, play bigger schools. I know that’s what the scouts want to see from me, and this is where I’m gonna be able to prove it.”
Hopper, a 6-foot-2, 265-pound defensive lineman, is the father of a 6-year-old son. This added motivation has shaped his approach to life and football. “Being young, it definitely did scare me (becoming a father), but just knowing you got somebody depending on you, it just drives you a little bit more,” he shared. From 11th grade, he knew he had to go get it. When it’s not all about you anymore, it’s just different. Just how you handle yourself, how you approach different things, you always gotta think about someone else besides yourself. That really helps me make great decisions and do what’s best for me and him.”
After helping Shelby win two state titles, Hopper received 16 scholarship offers coming out of high school. He chose to sign with Appalachian State. Hopper redshirted in 2022 and then earned second-team freshman All-American honors in 2023. In 2024, he was first-team All-Sun Belt Conference, posting 36 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
Last year, Hopper transferred to Tulane and starred again, earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference after posting 31 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He helped the Green Wave go 11-3 and reach the College Football Playoff.
He’s already made a good impression on first-year CU defensive line coach Dante Carter. “Definitely, absolutely,” Carter said. “Santana is a grown man. He has a purpose in this and he plays like it. Every time he gets out there between those lines, you can tell that he’s doing this for a reason. He has a 6-year-old son right now, so that’s his purpose, that’s his drive. Every day my way to motivate him to get more out of him, ‘Look at your son, think about your son every time you putting your hand in that dirt.’ But man, he’s doing a hell of a job for us and he’s going to be one of the guys.”
When Hopper put his name in the transfer portal, he liked CU because of the opportunity to play for head coach Deion Sanders and “the NFL style, the way he runs his program.” CU quickly liked Hopper, too.
“Just how I get to the ball and how I get off blocks and just attack offensive linemen,” Hopper said of what CU coaches said they liked about him during the recruiting process. “They like the way I just play football, like all-around. I’m just a ball player. Whatever you want me to do, just tell me to do it. Just a ball player.”
Key Highlights of Hopper’s Career
- High School Success: Helped Shelby High School win two state titles.
- Scholarship Offers: Received 16 scholarship offers after high school.
- Appalachian State: Redshirted in 2022, earned second-team freshman All-American honors in 2023.
- Sun Belt Conference: First-team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2024 with impressive stats.
- Tulane Transfer: Earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2024.
- College Football Playoff: Helped Tulane reach the College Football Playoff in 2024.
- Colorado Commitment: Transferred to CU due to the opportunity under Deion Sanders.
The Impact of Fatherhood
For Hopper, being a father has been a driving force behind his success. It has changed the way he approaches life and football. “From 11th grade I knew I had to go get it. When it’s not all about you anymore, it’s just different. Just how you handle yourself, how you approach different things, you always gotta think about someone else besides yourself. That really helps me make great decisions and do what’s best for me and him.”
This mindset has allowed Hopper to grow both personally and professionally. His dedication to his son has given him a sense of purpose that goes beyond the game. “He has a 6-year-old son right now, so that’s his purpose, that’s his drive,” said Coach Dante Carter. “Every day my way to motivate him to get more out of him, ‘Look at your son, think about your son every time you putting your hand in that dirt.’”
Looking Ahead
As Hopper steps onto the field for the University of Colorado, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong sense of purpose. His journey from Shelby High School to the College Football Playoff and now to Colorado is a testament to his hard work and determination.
With the support of his new team and the guidance of Coach Deion Sanders, Hopper is ready to take on the challenges ahead. “I’m just a ball player. Whatever you want me to do, just tell me to do it. Just a ball player,” he said, reflecting his humble yet determined attitude.
