Former Clemson star cementing his reputation as one of the best players in the NFL

Don’t tell DeAndre Hopkins the Houston Texans don’t have anything to play for.

Entering Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Texans were out of the mix for the postseason. But one of their best players lived up to his reputation.

The former Clemson Tigers star nicknamed “Nuk” has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL this season, and Sunday was one of his premier performances.

In spite of catching passes from two quarterbacks, both backups filling in for former Clemson superstar Deshaun Watson, Hopkins couldn’t be stopped. Hopkins finished the game with 11 receptions for 149 yards an two touchdowns.

The second TD was a sensational 29-yard scoring catch, where Hopkins started in then cut toward the flag, outrunning two 49er defensive backs and stretching out to haul in the pass from T.J. Yates.

Just before halftime, Hopkins got the Texans into the end zone for the first time in the game. That was a 7-yard touchdown pass from Tom Savage, who left the game with a concussion. On that play, Hopkins crossed the middle of the field and caught the Savage strike in front of the goal post.

The Central, S.C. native has 88 receptions for 1,233 and 11 touchdowns so far this season. He seems poised to return to the Pro Bowl, which he was selected to in 2015.

This story was originally published December 10, 2017 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Former Clemson star cementing his reputation as one of the best players in the NFL."