Missouri Linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper Declares for NFL Draft

Missouri linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday.

The Butkus Award finalist is the sixth Tiger to declare, as he joins defensive backs Jaylon Carlies and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., defensive lineman Darius Robinson, running back Cody Schrader and kicker Harrison Mevis, who also added his name to the board on Saturday.

Hopper led Mizzou with 55 tackles before he suffered an injury that sidelined him for the final two games of the regular season and the Cotton Bowl Classic. He also tallied six tackles for loss and three sacks. In 2022, he logged 77 tackles, including a team-high 14 for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception.

The consensus 4-star recruit spent his first three collegiate seasons at Florida, before transferring to Missouri on Jan. 27, 2022.

Hopper's draft declaration came with a message. Here is the transcript:

"As I reflect on my college career, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible experience and people I've met during this journey. I want to thank God for giving me the ability to play this game at such a high level and for continuing to open new doors along the way. Thank you to my family for your guidance—I wouldn't be where I am today without you all.

My time as a Tiger will stay with me forever. Thank you to my teammates and coaches for believing in me and helping to shape me into the player I am today. Thank you to the fans for your unwavering support and passion for our team.

To Gator Nation—thank you for welcoming me in and allowing me to be a part of your journey. I will always cherish the memories we made together.

As I embark on the next chapter of my football career, I carry with me the lessons learned and friendships forged among the years. With that being said, I am officially declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft."