Stephen Hopkins leaves Michigan football team

Michigan junior fullback Stephen Hopkins has left the team, Wolverine head coach Brady Hoke announced on Monday.

Hoke did not give a reason as to why Hopkins left the program, instead telling reporters they would have to ask Hopkins. On his Twitter account, Hopkins tweeted that he loved the University of Michigan and looked forward to getting his degree.

Hopkins came to Michigan from Double Tree, Texas and originally joined the Wolverines as a running back. He shifted to fullback after Hoke arrived and opened this season as the starter. He started four games this year, but missed time due to a hamstring injury. When he returned, Hopkins split time at fullback with Joe Kerridge. Without Hopkins, the Wolverines will have Kerridge and true freshman Sione Houma at fullback when they face South Carolina in the Outback Bowl.

Although he did not have a rushing attempt this season, Hopkins ran for 194 yards and four touchdowns on 48 attempts during his Michigan career.