Being on the field at the same time in 2021 was a dream come true for Streetsboro Rockets’ graduates Hunter and Preston Hopperton. They enjoyed it so much that they are giving it another go with Preston having committed to play football at Kent State University and Hunter transferring from the University of Rhode Island.
“It is awesome,” Hunter told The Weekly Villager. “This is such a blessing for sure. When this is all said and done, wherever this ends up taking us, being able to look back and have these memories that we have already made and being around such a great area, I am very appreciative.”
In Preston’s final year at Streetsboro, he set eight new school records and scored 264 points, which is the third-most in Portage County history.
“It was crazy because growing up you see all of those names, you are, like, “dang I want to be like those guys,” and now I am finally one of those guys in Streetsboro High School history,” Preston said.
Following the end of Preston’s senior season at Streetsboro, he committed to Kent State University. According to Preston, he wanted to play at Kent State because he felt the program was very welcoming and also liked that it was so close to home. In addition, he is eager to join a team that is working to drastically improve after a 1-11 season last year.
“They did not have the best season last year and I like coming back with how they have to come back this year,” Preston added. “They have to prove something, and I like being a part of that.”
After two years of playing tight end at the University of Rhode Island, Hunter decided he needed a change. He had previously been interested in playing at Kent State University in his initial recruitment process. Preston noted that as soon as Hunter told him he was entering the transfer portal, he contacted offensive coordinator Mark Carney, who Hunter knew very well.
“He is the greatest person ever,” Hunter said. “He was a huge part of this, he is a Northeast Ohio guy. When I went into the portal, I wanted to play for Kent State University without a doubt, and I told him that straight out.”
The Hopperton brothers’ reunion was made official when Carney asked Preston to call Hunter to extend him an offer on behalf of the Golden Flashes.
Although Preston and Hunter are on the same team again, it will be awhile before they can take the field together because Hunter tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus during a spring practice.
He recently underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. His recovery is expected to take up to nine months but there is an outside chance he can return at the end of the season for the final four games, including the possibility of playing in a bowl game should the Golden Flashes have a better season.
Hunter said that his junior season will most likely serve as a redshirt year even if he plays in the final four games. Regardless, he will still be with the team during his recovery period and essentially serve as an extra assistant coach.
For once, Hunter is following his little brother.
Ever since they were kids, Preston acknowledged that he was not originally interested in athletics. He enjoyed playing video and computer games and only started getting active once he followed Hunter to some of his practices.
Preston added that he enjoyed baseball more but started taking football more seriously in eighth grade when he was introduced to the weight room.
“When the first game came around, I caught a one-handed pass and it was the most thrilling thing I experienced,” Preston added. “I fell in love with it from there and ever since then I have taken it more seriously.”
Preston did not join Hunter on the field until his sophomore year and Hunter’s senior season. It was a special season not only for the brothers but also the Rockets, who advanced to the second round of the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III postseason before eventual state champion Chardon ousted them.
According to Hunter, Preston made his presence known from the first game of the season.
“The qualities that Preston has are things that I strive to be like,” Hunter said. “I am two years older but I am looking up to him. There are certain things he does; that is the way you should carry yourself type of thing, so I am very proud.”
Despite having to wait for their anticipated reunion on the gridiron, the Hopperton brothers said they will be sure to make the most of their time with the Golden Flashes and make act two just as memorable as the first one.
