BYU Running Back Hinckley Ropati Ready for Comeback Season

After a challenging year sidelined by injury, BYU running back Hinckley Ropati is poised for a strong return as the Cougars enter their second season in the Big 12 Conference. In a recent interview, Ropati shared insights into his recovery process, his excitement for the upcoming season, and the changes within the BYU football program.

 

 

Ropati's 2023 season was cut short due to a meniscus and MCL injury in his left knee during fall camp. This setback came after previously recovering from an ACL injury earlier in his career. Despite the physical challenges, Ropati emphasized that the mental aspect of recovery was the most significant hurdle.

 

"It's definitely been a mental battle," Ropati explained. "Being able to get over that mental hump, knowing I can make those cuts again and make those plays again, that's been the biggest challenge."

 

The running back credits his participation in spring practice as crucial for regaining his confidence on the field. Although medical staff initially planned to keep him out of spring ball entirely, Ropati pushed to participate, believing it was necessary for his mental recovery.

 

 

Now fully healthy, Ropati is eager to rejoin his teammates on the field. He expressed particular enthusiasm about being part of BYU's ground attack in the upcoming season.

 

"I'm super eager. I think I'm just really excited to be out there with the boys again, suiting up with them," Ropati said. "That's the one thing I'm looking forward to the most – being able to be out there with my brothers again and obviously being able to produce and make plays for the team."

 

 

Ropati highlighted significant improvements in the team's offensive cohesion during spring practice. He noted that new coaching additions have played a crucial role in enhancing the running game and overall offensive strategy.

 

"The new coaches that we just hired this past spring have been a huge factor," Ropati explained. "You can see the o-line finally really clicking, and you can see the development of younger guys. They've never looked better than they did in one spring ball than they did in the last two years they've been here."

 

The running back also mentioned the importance of collaborative meetings between running backs and offensive linemen, which have helped create a more unified approach to the run game.

 

 

As BYU prepares for its second season in the Big 12, Ropati and his teammates are focused on building upon the experiences from their inaugural year in the conference. The 2023 season proved challenging, with BYU facing the 11th toughest schedule in the country according to Sagarin ratings.

 

Despite these challenges, BYU showed strong fan support, ranking 3rd in the Big 12 in home attendance with an average of 61,944 spectators per game. This enthusiasm from the fanbase serves as additional motivation for players like Ropati as they prepare for the upcoming season.

 

 

Ropati also touched on personal aspects of his journey, including the impact of losing his mother in 2020 and his recent marriage. These life events have shaped his perspective and drive both on and off the field.

 

"It's definitely just motivated me spiritually to do the right things and to always try to remember what she did when she was here on Earth," Ropati reflected on his mother's influence.

 

As Hinckley Ropati prepares for the 2024 season, his story of perseverance, coupled with the changes within the BYU football program, paints a picture of optimism for Cougar fans. With a healthy Ropati back in the lineup, BYU's running game could see significant improvements as they continue to adapt to the competitive landscape of the Big 12 Conference.