Justice Hopkins is a senior defensive end for Byrnes football. Hopkins has made waves as one of the top edge rushers in the state. Hopkins holds offers from Benedict College and Anderson, along with interest from several other local schools.
With the Rebels preparing to embark on the 2025 season in a new stadium with high hopes, GreerNews.com caught up with Hopkins to discuss the upcoming year and his personal goals.
GreerNews (GN): Has it hit you yet that this is the last ride? Is that something you have stopped to think about?
Justice Hopkins (JH): I try my best not to think too much about it. When we get to that first game, though, I think that’s when it’s going to hit. Knowing that’s the last first home game I’ll get.
GN: How do you feel about how the team looks headed into the year?
JH: I think we look great. I think we’ve made real improvements from last season. We’re more locked in on the field and in the weight room. None of us are playing around.
GN: Are there any personal goals you’ve set for yourself as a senior?
JH: Definitely. I want to get at least 15 sacks this year. I want to make it all-state. I know I’m on the radar of a lot of people, but I try not to pay too much attention to it right now.
GN: When did you first fall in love with football?
JH: I think it was when I was a young kid. My first year playing football with pads, I actually played running back. I scored almost every play. That helped me fall in love with the game. I got moved to defensive end when I was in fifth or sixth grade, and I’ve loved that ever since.
GN: Did you have a favorite player growing up?
JH: Growing up, I loved Jadeveon Clowney. My dad met him at a barbershop in Columbia when we lived down there. Cam Newton was one of my favorites, too.
GN: You’re very focused and locked in, but you also know how to have fun and stay loose on the field. Where does that personality come from?
JH: Honestly, I like to have fun but also stay humble. Sometimes I’ll see articles and rankings about me, and I just try to be humble. I just want to keep my head down and not think about all that. I feel like I overthink a lot, anyway. I’ve been an overthinker my whole life, so I try not to do that when I’m able.
GN: What is your favorite performance as a Rebel so far?
JH: My sophomore year in 2023, in my first game, I had a sack against a Penn State commit from Hough (N.C.). That was my first-ever sack. That’s one of my favorite memories.
GN: How important is it for you guys to come out on August 22 and get a win in the first home game at the brand-new Nixon Field?
JH: We need that first win for sure. That’s going to bring excitement to the team. I feel like the stadium is going to be electric. Honestly, I want to get an [opening] kickoff return touchdown. I feel like that would shake the stadium.
GN: What are some other hobbies or passions you have?
JH: I like entrepreneurship. I take a class for that here at Byrnes. I feel like I could be a good businessman one day. For hobbies, I actually like to go fishing. Some of the defensive guys and I go fishing sometimes. We hang out a lot off the field.
GN: If you were handed the AUX on the team bus or in the locker room, what song are you playing?
JH: To hype the whole team up, I’m going with “Faneto” by Chief Keef. That gets us all ready to go.
GN: Go-to postgame meal?
JH: Last year, we had a lot of away games, so we’d hit Waffle House or Cookout a lot. But I think if it were open after games, I’d go with Chick-fil-A.
GN: What will you miss the most about playing at Byrnes after this is all said and done?
JH: I’ll miss the team. I’m going to miss the players, teammates, and friends I’ve grown up with. I hope some of them go to college with me, because I know I’ll miss them a lot.
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