Rick Moffat
CFL.ca
Whether it’s a fake on an opposing offensive lineman or making a pitch to a potential buyer, Alouettes defensive lineman Moton Hopkins knows how to sell.
Since being signed by the Alouettes on Aug. 9, Hopkins – a former used-car salesman – has slowly been able to find his way into the starting lineup and has immediately began paying dividends on the defensive side of the ball.
Hopkins recorded his first two CFL sacks in his Alouettes debut against the Edmonton Eskimos before the bye week, and the defensive tackle hopes to continue motoring away towards one day being a mainstay on the team’s front line.
“As a salesman you have to look people in the eye and win their trust,” says Hopkins, who logged 10-12 hour days selling cars in Tulsa,OK. “I got Salesman of the Week a couple of times and met a lot of great people. “
Good thing too, because defensive line coach Mike Sinclair believes his quarterback-hunters have to sell their moves against opposing offensive lines.
“You have to make them think you’re going one way and go the other, or make them think you’re going to go the other way and go the way you wanted to go. It’s all a matter of selling,” said Hopkins.
“We understand it’s a craft that you have to work at,” reflects Hopkins, who thanks veterans like Anwar Stewart, Eric Wilson and JP Bekasiak for tutoring him.
Cast off by Winnipeg after seeing action in seven games in 2010, Hopkins hopes he can be part of a joy-ride race to the Grey Cup and prove being picked up by general manager Jim Popp was more than just a temporary tune-up.
What’s his joy-ride on wheels?
“Good question,” he laughs. “I like the Audi.”
Your current ride?
“A great question,” he roars even louder. “I drive a two-door ’98 Honda Accord. It’s a little tight but my auntie gave it to me back in college so I’m still rolling with it after 192,000 miles.”
Hopkins, like his trusty vehicle, is a survivor who thinks he’s headed in the right direction.
Although Bekasiak’s return to health could partially close Hopkins’ window of opportunity, the Als believe more is more when it comes to depth in the trenches on defence.
It remains to be seen if he will still be in the mix trying to get licks on Buck Peirce when the Bombers come to Montreal Sept. 18.
A determined Floyd
With the Als set to take on the Bombers three times in the next six weeks; former Winnipeg kick returner Perry Floyd is excited to meet his former teammates as a member of the Alouettes.
He received an A+ on his first summer school assignment: dashing for a big play after an open field move against the Als in pre-season action at Molson Stadium back on June 16.
“I remember getting off the bus, checking out the city with some of the guys and thinking ‘I like this city …I could be here.’ Funny how God works.”
Floyd won Winnipeg’s starting kick-returner job in training camp, but ran into some fumble trouble and was eventually placed on the practice roster. From there, he was released by the Bombers entirely.
“I put the ball on the ground a couple of times. I don’t think ability was in question. (Coach La Police) just wanted to take a look at some other guys. Montreal is my home now.”
Floyd admits that he has taken a look at the schedule, and is licking his chops at the opportunity of playing against his former squad.
“I can’t wait. I can’t wait.”
