Santana Hopper emerging as leader on Colorado's defensive line

· Yahoo Sports

Colorado football added plenty of talent to its defensive front this offseason, with one of them being Tulane transfer Santana Hopper.

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New Buffaloes defensive line coach Dante Carter didn't hesitate when asked what makes Hopper a special player.

"Santana is a grown man," Carter said. "He has a purpose in this, and he plays like it."

Hopper was elite for the Green Wave in 2025, finishing the year with 29 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. His 39 quarterback pressures last season were the 2nd most among defensive tackles,

Carter believes Hopper is playing with a purpose, stemming from the standout lineman's desire to be a good role model for his six-year-old son.

"He has a 6-year-old son, so that's his purpose, his drive," Carter said. "My way of motivating him and getting more out of him is telling him 'think about your son every time you're putting your hand in that dirt.'"

Hooper clearly seems to be becoming a leader for the Buffs and is setting the tone during spring camp. After making the College Football Playoff with Tulane last year, he is eager to get back to the postseason.

"Getting there wasn't enough," Hopper said.

That mindset is new for a Colorado program coming off a disappointing 3-9 season, but it could become a more central focus with a squad in "win now" mode.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Santana Hopper Colorado football defensive line impact

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