Wyoming is moving from a spread offense that rarely uses the fullback to a pro-style setup needing a big fullback and Tigard, Oregon's A.J. Hotchkins could be a candidate after deciding he'll play football for the Cowboys.
The 2014 class prospect can also play linebacker with his toughness and tackling skills, while having the bulk and battering style to develop into a backfield player.
Hotchkins had several offers from FCS schools, including one of the top Juco programs in Blinn Community College and appeared to want a chance to play at one of the higher levels and a FBS school. Colorado, Boise State, and Washington State expressed interest during 2013, among other major schools.
At 6-foot and 225-pounds, Hotchkins is a physical football player and a 315 pound bench with surprising athleticism. His 37-inch vertical is impressive and he plays faster than his 4.75-second 40-yard dash would seem to indicate.
"I like to hit. It is something that comes natural too me and I am able to push that on both sides of the ball," Hotchkins said to OregonPreps.com early in the year. "This is one aspect of my game that is a strength."
Hotchkins was a good basketball player at the high school level with his exceptional athleticism before realizing his skills are best set for the football field.
"I like both football and basketball but as I came into High School I decided to put all my focus on Hoops. I am a natural leaper and have a 37" vertical," said Hotchkins. "Then as the last two years have gone by I added weight and muscle and am right at 220 pounds now. I looked in the mirror and realized that I am not built for basketball but for football. So here I am. I was a football player playing basketball."
Hotchkins would fill a need at fullback since the Cowboys are currently thin at the position and looking to build up the depth in the future.
A.J. Hotchkins
The 2014 class prospect can also play linebacker with his toughness and tackling skills, while having the bulk and battering style to develop into a backfield player.
Hotchkins had several offers from FCS schools, including one of the top Juco programs in Blinn Community College and appeared to want a chance to play at one of the higher levels and a FBS school. Colorado, Boise State, and Washington State expressed interest during 2013, among other major schools.
At 6-foot and 225-pounds, Hotchkins is a physical football player and a 315 pound bench with surprising athleticism. His 37-inch vertical is impressive and he plays faster than his 4.75-second 40-yard dash would seem to indicate.
"I like to hit. It is something that comes natural too me and I am able to push that on both sides of the ball," Hotchkins said to OregonPreps.com early in the year. "This is one aspect of my game that is a strength."
Hotchkins was a good basketball player at the high school level with his exceptional athleticism before realizing his skills are best set for the football field.
"I like both football and basketball but as I came into High School I decided to put all my focus on Hoops. I am a natural leaper and have a 37" vertical," said Hotchkins. "Then as the last two years have gone by I added weight and muscle and am right at 220 pounds now. I looked in the mirror and realized that I am not built for basketball but for football. So here I am. I was a football player playing basketball."
Hotchkins would fill a need at fullback since the Cowboys are currently thin at the position and looking to build up the depth in the future.
A.J. Hotchkins
