Whether he’s tackling opponents on the football field, or shredding a rock song on guitar, junior Josh Hopper lights up the lives of those around him with his outgoing and humorous personality.

Hopper has been dominating on the football field since he was eleven years old. He has remained a right tackle and defensive lineman since the start.

“There really was no other position I was interested in; I mean it’s not like I could have been quarter back, and I get to protect my friends,” Hopper said.

Football is a physically demanding and grueling sport. Hopper is constantly busy due to everyday practice and Friday night football games, but the commitment pays off in the end.

“At times it can be a difficult sacrifice since preparing for the season is a year-long thing, but you can only go to high school once in your life so make the most and do your best for those four years,” Hopper said.

With endless hours of practice and the teamwork involved in the sport, it’s inevitable that friendships will be made.

“Football has brought Josh and I closer due to working out together and playing next to each other on the line. We always communicate well together and that’s what brought us close to each other,” longtime friend Seth Diorio said.

Although football takes up most of his time, Hopper still finds a way to pursue his passion: Guitar.

At the age of twelve, Hopper picked up his first six string and has been hooked since.

Being completely self-taught – learning only from reading tabs and listening by ear – Hopper is a musical prodigy.

“Music is something I connect to. I have always enjoyed classical rock and I’ve wanted to learn how to play forever,” Hopper said.

Hoppers interest in rock musicians such as Eddie Van Halen and his brother are what influenced his musical taste.

Though Hopper makes it look easy, it takes hours of practice.

“It can seem easy to play at first, but even though I’ve been playing for years. I still find learning certain songs and solos very challenging,” Hopper said.

The first song Hopper learned to play was Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love by Van Halen which perfectly portrays his passion for rock music.

“I enjoy playing Metallica but Van Halen is what I play most since it sounds best to me,” Hopper said. “Come as You Are by Nirvana was the easiest thing I’ve learned to play, but ‘Fade into Black’ by Metallica and some parts of Eruption along with Mean Street by Van Halen (the solo portion) was the hardest to learn.”

With a growing collection of guitars which range from the basic six string acoustic to an EVH electric guitar, Hopper is fully equipped to play any song someone throws at him – although he’d prefer it if it were a hard rock/metal song.

“Out of the five guitars that I own, the twelve string is my favorite since its very unique and I paid for it myself,” Hopper said.

Along with Hoppers love for football, his obsession with music will follow him no matter where in life he goes.