SRA featuring ASU's Head Football Coach Jay Hopson

As a proven leader and visionary, Jay Hopson enters his first season as the Braves head coach. In this capacity, Hopson will provide guidance, energy and stability to a program infused with pride and a winning tradition. Prior to his arrival on “The Reservation” Hopson served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Memphis.

During his tenure as the defensive coordinator at the University of Memphis two of Hopson’s most consistent safeties, Darius Davis and Marcus Ball, helped power the Tiger defense. Ball led the secondary and was ranked third on the team in tackles with 66, while also recording two interceptions and two pass breakups.

In addition, Hopson helped guide linebacker Jamon Hughes to first team All-Conference USA honors in 2010. Hughes ranked third nationally with 147 tackles.

In 2009, Hopson completed his second season at Michigan, where he served as the linebackers coach. Under Hopson, three of the top five tacklers for the 2009 season were linebackers Stevie Brown, Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mouton. Ezeh was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award that season.

No stranger to Conference USA, Hopson has had two stints with the defense at Southern Miss. Prior to Michigan, he spent three seasons as defensive coordinator, defensive backs and middle linebackers coach at Southern Miss from 2005-07. In 2007, he was named the All-American Football Foundation Top Assistant Coach.

As a coordinator, Hopson’s defensive units led Conference USA in scoring defense each of his three seasons. The Golden Eagles participated in three bowl games while Hopson was the defensive coordinator: the 2005 New Orleans Bowl, the 2006 GMAC Bowl and the 2007 Papajohns.com Bowl. In 2005, Southern Miss captured the C-USA East title.

Read Full Bio @ http://www.alcornsports.com/staff.aspx?staff=66