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Justin Hopkins, INF, Anderson HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Lincoln Trail?

Hopkins: I chose Lincoln Trail because I thought it was the best place for me to build as a baseball player, student, and person. Also the program has a very successful background. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Hopkins: Other schools that were on my list were Otterbein University, Depauw University, Bellermine, Indiana State University, and Denison University. Lincoln Trail just felt right for my situation.  

PBR: Lincoln Trail is known for sending many of their players to 4 year colleges.  How much of a role did that play in your decision to go to Lincoln Trail?

Hopkins: The coaching staff at Lincoln Trail knows how to prepare their players for the next level the right way and because of that they send a lot of guys to D1 schools, so that was important for me in my decision. 

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you?

Hopkins: Lincoln Trail first saw me at a prospect camp at Indiana State 

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable moment.

Hopkins: I play for the Florence Freedom Elite coached by John Chafin, my dad, and Mark Murray. The most memorable moment for me was probably this summer when I broke my nose on a bad hop and had to sit for most of the summer. It was a major setback for me but it made me a better person and appreciate the game even more. 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Hopkins: I knew the recruiting process would be hectic and frustrating at times but I just went with it and had fun going on visits with my dad. 

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Jackson Lumen?

Hopkins: This spring at Anderson High School I hit .347 with an OBP of .443 had 26 hits and scored 23 runs. 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced?

Hopkins: The toughest pitcher I have ever faced would probably have to be Zack Shannon because he has a lot of movement on his fastball and a nasty change up.