As TJ Hopkins heats up, it gets harder to keep him out of USC lineup

Seemingly every time TJ Hopkins gets an opportunity to show what he brings to the table for the Gamecocks, it becomes more difficult for South Carolina coach Chad Holbrook to keep him out of the starting lineup.

The Summerville product has started 46 percent of USC’s games (19 of 41), but that number’s likely to increase as the Gamecocks try to maintain their SEC lead the next few weeks.

Hopkins arrived in Columbia oozing with talent, but it took time to translate his skills to the college game. After an up-and-down first several weeks he’s coming into his own.

The freshman’s batting .526 over his past five starts with eight runs, eight RBIs and four steals. In his past two starts, blowout wins over Furman and Missouri, Hopkins combined to go 7-for-10 with five runs, five RBIs and four stolen bases.

“It kills me when I don’t put him in there. It really does,” Holbrook said. “When I hand in the lineup, and it’s not TJ Hopkins in there, it hurts me because he can help us you win in a lot of different ways.”

Having too many talented players is a problem most coaches in the country would envy, and while Holbrook doesn’t mind, it does have him spending a lot of time trying to find ways to get Hopkins on the field.

South Carolina’s top three hitters happen to be the outfielders: Gene Cone, Alex Destino and Dom Thompson-Williams. The fourth-highest batting average among everyday players belongs to designated hitter John Jones.

The majority of Hopkins’ starts have come when Jones replaces Chris Cullen at catcher, Destino moves to DH and Hopkins moves into the outfield. While Jones has been a better hitter than Cullen, Cullen’s considered to be better defensively behind the plate.

“It’s hard. There are some games where Jonesy’s got to be the DH,” Holbrook said. “But (TJ’s) played himself in the conversation with Jones and Destino and Cullen. He’s making it hard on me. I’ve got to get creative. I’ve got to try to find ways to not have him on the bench. He’s too talented.”

Hopkins’ potential was obvious from the moment he stepped on campus, but striking out too many times kept him from receiving more playing time.

He has 24 strikeouts in 71 at bats, which is behind only DC Arendas in terms of strikeout percentage, but his strikeout numbers have declined lately. In the 10 at-bats over his past two starts, he didn’t strike out.

“I’ve been swinging at my pitches. Before these last two games me and coach (Brian) Buscher talked about that. I was being too selective,” Hopkins said. “I’ve really been working on that, just kind of free swinging. When I see a fastball take it the other way. That’s been the key.”

With his speed, if Hopkins puts the ball in play he’s a tough out.

“The ball flies off his bat. He can run. He can play center field. He can run the bases. He can steal bases. He can hit a home run. The kid’s awfully talented, and he’s just learning how to play,” Holbrook said. “He’s come a long ways since September. The more you start, the more at bats you get, the more experience you get, you start figuring it out.”

While being in and out of the lineup would be tough for some players, especially a freshman, Holbrook said Hopkins has handled the situation perfectly.

“When he’s not playing he’s the biggest cheerleader we’ve got in the dugout. His attitude is great. Some of his teammates could probably learn from him,” Holbrook said. “TJ wants to win, and I’m sure it’s difficult for him. But he understands and he knows the situation that we’re in. He gets it.”

Hopkins said ultimately, all he cares about is winning. The Gamecocks have done plenty of that, leading the SEC entering this weekend’s series vs. No. 1 Florida.

“I just try to go out there and perform every time my name is called. I don’t put any pressure on myself,” he said. “When I’m in the lineup or when I’m not in the lineup I’m just happy we’re winning.”

This story was originally published April 26, 2016 at 10:08 PM with the headline "As TJ Hopkins heats up, it gets harder to keep him out of USC lineup."