Dustin Hopkins

There isn't a program in college football more famous for missing field goals than Florida State. Hopkins, however, has changed that legacy, setting the FBS record for kicker scoring with 466 points. The highly regarded prep kicker proved worthy of praise almost immediately, hitting a 52-yarder against rival Miami on the first attempt of his career. He's improved his accuracy each of his four seasons in Tallahassee and has the leg strength to make long-distance field goals as well as kickoff. He has steadily improved his accuracy throughout his career, making 70.3% of his kicks (19/27) as a freshman, 78.5% (22/28) as a sophomore, 81.5% (22/27) as a junior and 83.3% (25/30) as a senior and has a long of 56-yards.

strengths

Possesses a lean, athletic build. Consistent approach, kick and follow-through which has resulted in reliable accuracy. Even when Hopkins misses, he's been close with kicks typically sailing within a foot or two of the uprights. Gets a high trajectory on his kicks and had zero blocked throughout his career. Has shown the ability to make high pressure kicks, including a 55-yard game-winner to beat Clemson in 2010... Played outside at Florida State and therefore shouldn't have any issues with footing outside at the next level. Consistently reached the endzone on kickoffs and won't have any problem doing so in the NFL. Willing defender with good athleticism and competitive spirit. Recorded 10 tackles (four solo) on kickoff returns over his career.

compares to

Stephen Gostkowski, K, New England Patriots

weaknesses

A bit slim for the position. For all of Hopkins' success, he did miss some potential game-winners, including one from 40-yards out in the closing seconds against North Carolina one week prior to his big game-winning kick to beat Clemson in 2010 and a 42-yarder against Virginia in 2011. Hasn't played in many cold-weather games...

The consensus top kicker in the nation

a USA Today first team All-American

Under Armour All-American

two-time first team all-state 5A kicker in Texas

nation's top-ranked kicker according to kicking guru and UCLA record holder Chris Sailer

longest field goal during his senior year was from 49 yards

missed only three kicks as a senior and two were from 58 and 64 yards away

made over 70 PAT's in his career

went 37-for-37 on point after attempts as a junior and 6-of-7 on field goal attempts including two from 43 yards

averaged 73 yards on his kick-offs

kicked a 46-yard field goal in the Under Armour All-America game

connected on a 65-yard field goal during practice at the all-star game

even played DB for Clear Lake where he recorded an interception

has a GPA above 4.0

plans to major in business marketing with a minor in broadcasting

chose FSU over Notre Dame, Missouri and Kansas State.