Kentucky Football: Interview with Lexington Catholic 2022 TE Michael Hawkins
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Rising football stars can be found all over the country and one young student-athlete blossoming in the state of Kentucky is sophomore tight end Michael Hawkins. The Class of 2022 prospect comes from a strong family football line as his grandfather (Miami of Ohio) and father (Army) both played college football. The 6-5, 230-pound, sophomore stud spent most of last season playing on the junior varsity team but is looking to make a name for himself on the varsity team in 2019.
Hawkins might not have much experience at the high school level but has already received a college offer from Vanderbilt after attending a camp there in June. This rising star in the Bluegrass State is certainly one to watch over the next three football seasons at Lexington Catholic.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview I sat down with Michael to discuss his recruiting process, his family’s football history and his high school career.
Interview
Michael, what are your thoughts on last season?
“Last season I didn’t play a lot. I started and played special teams, but that’s about it. I only played tight end and defensive end for the freshman and junior varsity teams.”
What was your most memorable moment during your freshman year?
“Starting my first game at punter. It was awesome just to be a starter, in an early season bowl game, in a cross-town rivalry game too.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I feel my strengths are size, ability to catch the ball and an above-average knowledge of the passing game. My dad drills me constantly.”
Do you have any college offers already?
“Yes. I currently have an offer from Vanderbilt at tight end. I was given the offer at their camp on June 5th.”
Are there any other schools showing interest at this time?
“Miami of Ohio, Yale, Harvard, and Cornell are schools I spoke to at camps this summer.”
Which college camps did you attend this summer?
“I went to Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Miami of Ohio and Vanderbilt.”
What was your favorite camp and why?
“My favorite was Vanderbilt. Obviously because I got an offer. I had my best camp of the four there and really enjoyed talking to everyone.”
What did you work on the most this offseason?
“I worked most on strength, agility and running proper routes.”
Is there a current NFL player that you like to compare yourself too?
“I admire the way Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys) works and runs routes. Another tight end would be Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots). I like the way he finds the mismatches.”
What are your individual and team goals for your sophomore season?
“Personally, I want 20-plus catches for 350-plus yards and our team to win state!”
What game on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“Playing Covington Catholic and watching (4-star 2020) tight end Michael Mayer.”
What is your GPA?
“3.2.”
What are your favorite subject in school?
“Computer Apps and Economics.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Acts 2:38.”
Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?
“My grandfather, who played for Woody Hays at Miami of Ohio. He was classmates, teammates and fraternity brothers with Bo Schembechler. Also, my dad. He was an All-State quarterback here in Kentucky behind Jeff Brohm, who is the coach at Purdue. My dad also played and lettered all four years at Army-West Point as a punter.”
Thank you for your time and good luck this season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; Lexington Catholic TE Michael Hawkins