Vanguard’s Hopkins, Guy sign college football letters of intent

Elijah Hopkins, who signed his letter of intent to play football at Coastal Carolina, left, and Izaiah Guy, who signed his letter of intent to play football at Georgia State, right, put on their hats after signing their paperwork during their signing ceremony at the Courtyard on Broadway in downtown Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Both senior football players played at Vanguard High School this year and signed their letters in front of a large, excited crowd in Ocala on Wednesday night. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

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Posted December 24, 2021 | By Joel Bronson

Joel@ocalagazette.com

Two of Marion County’s finest have signed to play college football.

Vanguard High School’s Elijah Hopkins and Izaiah Guy shined for the Knights during their 12-1 playoff run in 2021.

The two friends and teammates signed their respective letters of intent together on Dec. 15 in front of family, friends and coaches.

Hopkins was a lockdown cornerback for the Knights during their stellar 2021 season.

While defense was his primary focus, Hopkins also scored three touchdowns on offense, one rushing and two receiving.

“I am anxious to embark on a new journey at Coastal Carolina,” Hopkins said. “I feel the Coastal Carolina coaching staff will help me continue to grow as a student, player and a man.”

Hopkins will enroll early at Coastal Carolina and begin taking classes during the 2022 spring semester.

Hopkins made sure to thank everyone who supported him throughout his high school career.

“There aren’t enough words to express the level of gratitude I wish to extend to my family, supporters and Vanguard High School,” he added.

Coastal Carolina’s football program has been on the rise as of late. The Chanticleers won their first bowl game in program history with a 47-41 victory over Northern Illinois in the Cure Bowl on Dec. 17.

Guy, who manned the other cornerback position for the Knights in 2021, felt most comfortable with Georgia State’s coaching staff. He will also enroll early.

“I feel like Georgia State was the right place for me, from building a long relationship with the cornerbacks coach, Cory Peoples,” Guy said. “Coach Peoples kept it real with me and is really why I kept my loyalty with Georgia State.”

Family and coaches were a big part of Guy’s success as a high school football player.

“I want to thank my mom and dad and the rest of my family for helping me get here,” Guy said. “I also want to thank my trainers, Clint Hart and Brice Summerall, for everything they have put into me.”

Georgia State plays their home games at the old Turner Field, recently the home of the Atlanta Braves.

Georgia State head coach Sean Elliott previously led the South Carolina Gamecocks as interim coach after Steve Spurrier retired during the 2015 season.