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BYU added the first running back to its 2021 recruiting class as JUCO RB Hinckley Ropati announced his commitment to BYU.
”Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
— Hinckley F. Ropati (@hinckleyfr3) July 11, 2020
- Joshua 1:9
This one's for you momma...#LLL ❤️ @CerritosFB @BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/Cwbuo80IJ4
Ropati rushed for 647 yards and 11 touchdowns last season for Cerritos College (Norwalk, CA). The first thing that sticks out about him is the physicality with which he runs. Ropati isn’t afraid to seek out contact and punish defenders to gain extra yards. Although his physicality is his greatest strength while running the ball, he also has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
Ropati’s running style has similarities to former BYU running backs Fui Vakapuna and Paul Lasike with the way be bruises opposing defenders.
Ropati will be a sophomore for Cerritos College in the 2020 season (if we have a season) and will be a junior when he comes to BYU in 2021).
You can watch highlights from Ropati’s freshman season below.