THE WRITING ON (AND OFF) THE WALL BIG FISH HAS SMALL-TOWN CHARM.

Byline: TOM HOFFARTH

Greg Hopkins is used to being a big fish in a small arena.

The Avengers wide receiver/linebacker comes from Nineveh, Pa. - population: 88. In the offseason, he goes back to help run the Hopkins Family Store, practically the only business that exists in the town founded by his grandmother.

At nearby Slippery Rock University, Hopkins was one of the nation's top Division II receivers and established nine school records. He also competed on the school's wrestling team.

After six seasons laying low with the Albany, N.Y./Indiana franchise, he finally had a taste of the big time - as big as Arena League can get. In 2002, his first season with the Avengers, he was the league's ``Ironman of the Year'' as the best two-way player, making 102 receptions for 1,285 yards and 29 touchdowns on offense and returning three of the team-high five interceptions for TDs.

A good-looking guy who has done some professional modeling, Hopkins looked even better after zig-zagging through our regular feature, 20 Questions:

--Question 1: Does the line ``I not only go both ways, but I'm the best at it'' work with the ladies?

--Answer: I haven't used it. And I don't plan on using it.

--Question 2: Why do football players wear baseball caps?

--Answer: When you're my age (31) and your hairline is already receding, you got to keep your head covered from all the high camera angles.

--Question 3: Ever wish someone would turn on a snow machine during an Arena game?

--Answer: Yes, especially when we're on the road. To chill the crowd.

--Question 4: What route does the 405 Freeway run?

--Answer: North-South (correct).

--Question 5: Which of these are not nicknames for a team in the Arena Football League or Arena2: Crush, Rush, Force, Fire, Blitz, Swarm, Speed, Stealth or Spleen?

--Answer: I'm going with Spleen on that one.

--Question 6: Name at least one of the actors who played in the 1998 movie version of ``The Avengers.''

--Answer: I don't even remember the TV show. I'll bet that makes me a bad employee. (Uma Thurman, Sean Connery and Ralph Fiennes were the marquee names in the movie).

--Question 7: What was the most important lesson you learned from watching ``Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood''?

--Answer: Boy, I used to watch that all the time. I think he let us all realize it was OK to make believe once in a while.

--Question 8: Kurt Warner or Tommy Maddox?

--Answer: I actually played against both (when they were in the Arena League). I picked off a pass from Maddox (who was with New Jersey in 2000). I'd go with Kurt.

--Question 9: Describe your nastiest football-related injury.

--Answer: One time I broke my left hand - it was my first game on the active list. There was a minute left in the game. I told the coach, but there was a rule about not being able to sub me out. That final minute seemed like it was forever. I missed the next eight weeks because of that.

--Question 10: Should the McRib sandwich be a permanent item on McDonald's menu?

--Answer: No, because that means they'll keep bringing it back and making everyone appreciate it more.

--Question 11: What kind of kisser is coach Ed Hodgkiss?

--Answer: Can I plead the fifth on that? Actually, with the women I've seen him dating, I'd give a guess that he's at least a B-plus.

--Question 12: What has more padding, the wall around the field or Anna Nicole Smith?

--Answer: Has to be Anna Nicole, and I'd much rather run into her instead of that stiff wall.

--Question 13: Rule question: How many points for a drop kick field goal?

--Answer: Four (correct).

--Question 14: Should Robert Blake do the time if he did the crime?

--Answer: Definitely.

--Question 15: What current athlete would you like to see try to play in an Arena game?

--Answer: Anna Kournikova. And I'd like to cover her.

--Question 16: When you go to a restaurant, do you prefer to sit inside or outside?

--Answer: If it's daytime, I'm out. If it's evening, I'll go inside.

--Question 17: Casey Wasserman or KC and the Sunshine Band?

--Answer: I'll go with Mr. Wasserman. But I don't know his taste in music.

--Question 18: Is it better to receive than to give?

--Answer: It depends on who you're playing catch with.

--Question 19: If a running back's job is to run forward, why is he called a running back?

--Answer: Because he's in the backfield when the play starts, behind the line of scrimmage.

--Question 20: Didn't your mom ever tell you never to play football indoors?

--Answer: Plenty of times. I didn't get the paddle too much, but I spent a lot of time in the chair. She never let me play football at all until I was in the fourth grade. Nowadays, I think I'd still get scolded (for playing indoors).

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

The Avengers' Greg Hopkins won the ``Ironman of the Year'' award in the Arena League in 2002, his first year with the team.

Edna T. Simpson/Daily News

Box:

AVENGERS vs. GEORGIA

- Ross Siler