Hopkins learning at 2nd day of camp

Jul 27, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) catches a pass during training camp at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins isn’t being treated like an ordinary rookie by the Houston Texans, as they need him to not only compete, but compete at a high level this training camp.

Hopkins, the 27th overall draft pick this past April, is penciled in, OK, more like written in ink as the No. 2 receiver, opposite of Andre Johnson. As the second day of camp ended, Hopkins said he’s enjoying the overall experience.

“I couldn’t wait to get started,” Hopkins told the Houston media. “It’s been a lot of preparation going on but I’m enjoying it right now. I would say the little details that you have to do. You know, people really don’t think about it. People think you just come out here and run routes. It’s little details. Everything has to be on point.”

The rookie wide receiver played four years at Clemson, totaling 3,009 yards on 309 receptions in his four-year tenure at the collegiate level. His senior season saw him make 82 receptions for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns while playing in the ACC.

Hopkins spoke about being apart of an offense that includes Johnson on the opposite side of the field, comparing it to his days at Clemson.

“All I had was (Clemson WR) Sammy Watkins on the other side of me and every week I still came out prepared like I was the go-to guy and the same here,” Hopkins said. “Even though I have a vet and a Pro Bowler, Andre Johnson on the other side of me, I can’t think about that or let that affect me. I’ve got to come out and still think that I’m going to be the guy.”

Johnson, during his time with the media, spoke of his rookie wide receiver teammate.

“You get excited, not only just about rookies they bring in on offense, you get excited about just players they bring in period because you know that they can come out and help your team,” Johnson said.

Though it was just his second day of practicing in an official NFL training camp, Hopkins said he just wants to keep improving.

“I would say I’m getting better,” he said. “I’m improving. I still got a lot of things that I need to work on but I would say it’s going good so far.”

(All quotes provided by Houston Texans transcripts at houstontexans.com.)