Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie announced today that he has hired Peter Hopkins to coach the Bulldogs running backs.
Hopkins replaces Brock Hays, who departed for Troy.
“We’re excited to welcome Peter Hopkins back to the Bulldog Family,” said Cumbie. “Peter has great passion for people and for teaching young people about football and life. We’re looking forward to Peter developing our running backs as people and as playmakers.”
This marks Hopkins second stint in Ruston. He served as a graduate assistant for the Bulldogs in 2013 and 2014 helping with the running backs, H-backs and tight ends. During his time in Ruston, he was able to work with All-American Kenneth Dixon, who became the program and NCAA record holder in career touchdowns.
“To God be the glory,” said Hopkins. “I am beyond grateful to Coach Cumbie and the entire LA Tech administrative and coaching staff for this tremendous opportunity. Louisiana Tech has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m excited for the chance to return to Ruston under Coach Cumbie. Great things are ahead for this program, and I can’t wait to get to work.
“I am a Texas High School Coaches Association member and a JUCO product, and I am excited to return to the state of Louisiana and partner with all my Louisiana High School Coaches Association colleagues.”
Hopkins spent the past three years at Kilgore College in Texas where he served as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. During his time at Kilgore, the programs offense proved to be one of the top in the country, boasting 16 All-Americans and 73 players with DI offers (35 with P5 offers).
The native of Crockett (Texas), Hopkins began his coaching career at his alma mater, Tyler Junior College, coaching the running backs. After his stint at TJC, Hopkins went to Louisiana Tech where he was part of the 2014 C-USA West Division champions that defeated Illinois in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.
After Louisiana Tech, he joined the Texas high school ranks in the greater Houston area where he coached at Klein Oak, La Marque and Aldine Davis. Coaching in the Houston area, his teams always made the playoffs and he was once recognized as Coach of the Year.
During his time coaching in high school, he has helped send more than 50 student athletes to college to play at the next level. Hopkins was also a director of the I-45 Football Clinic, one of the fastest-growing football coaches clinics in this region based out of Houston.
Hopkins spent two seasons (2007-08) playing tight end for Sam Houston and helped lead the No. 2 ranked offense in the nation. Before Sam Houston State, he played quarterback at Tyler Junior College from 2006-07, earning his associate’s degree in 2007.
Hopkins earned his bachelor’s in kinesiology and secondary education from Sam Houston in 2010. He has earned a master’s degree in health kinesiology and education from UT-Tyler n 2012 and a master’s in sports administration from Louisiana Tech in 2014.
