Interview: Interest Building for 2018 South Carolina QB Brayden Hawkins with Upcoming Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Nothing stirs the pot of recruiting interest like highlight reels that speak for themselves. In late June, York High School quarterback Brayden Hawkins confirmed what many in the know already knew and opened up a wide circle of new believers with a laser sharp performance at Cam Newton’s 7v7 Tournament.

Brayden sliced his way through the opposition showing touch, quick decision making, strong technique, and a rocket for an arm when needed. Throw after throw was on the money threading needles aided by the strong play of his receivers helping support his cause as a 2018 recruit on the rise. In just three weeks that highlight reel already has over 15,000 views.

The word is out on Hawkins. Some of the teams showing interest in Hawkins includes Georgia, Michigan, Texas A&M, West Virginia, and UCLA. Three other schools are about to get a first-hand meeting with South Carolina talent this week.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Hawkins before he sets off on a three-school visit concluding with one-on-one time in Los Angeles with famed quarterback coach Steve Clarkson.

Interview

Brayden, I know you have been busy this off-season working on your game and competing in 7v7 tournaments. What do you have planned coming up?

“This week I am taking visits to Southern Miss (Wednesday), Florida (Thursday), and South Florida (Friday). After my South Florida visit we head out to Los Angeles for a couple of days of instruction with Steve Clarkson before a camp of his on Monday.”

You have a busy week scheduled. What all are you planning to do when you visit Southern Mississippi?

“Visit the campus and meet with the coaches. They are hosting a two hour camp for us to throw. I feel really good about this visit.”

Sounds like you are excited about the visit.

“Yes sir, I am. I’ve talked to Coach (Shannon) Dawson (offensive coordinator/quarterback coach), a lot. He’s excited to see me, I’m excited to see their program.”

What are you hoping to learn during the visit to Southern Miss?

“I want to learn more about their coaching staff and their facilities. I want to learn more about their offense and how they run it.”

You head out to Florida on Thursday?

“Yes sir.”

What are you seeking to learn during that visit?

“I definitely want to see their facilities. I’m looking forward to meeting with Coach (Jim) McElwain (head coach) and talking to him about the school and what they are trying to accomplish there.”

Are you familiar with Florida’s offense?

“Yes sir – a little bit. I have watched them on TV a lot.”

Are you going to get to throw for Florida when you are there?

“I think I am. I don’t think I will get to throw for South Florida. I’m looking forward to meeting the coaches at USF too. That’s on Friday.”

After USF you’re heading out to Los Angeles to work with Steve Clarkson?

“Yes sir. I will be there on the 23rd through the 24th working with him one-on-one and then there is a camp on the 25th.”

What all are you going to work on with Clarkson while in LA?

“I’m just trying to get more work in to fine-tune my mechanics and learn from him.”

While you are in LA, are you going to stop by UCLA or USC?

“I don’t think I will go to either school this time when I am in town. I’d like to visit UCLA during the season to watch them play in person.”

What have you been working on over the last couple of weeks in preparation for the 2016 season?

“I’ve been working on getting bigger and learning defenses.”

What are you weighing right now?

“I’m down from 210 to 200. I’ve lost some bad weight. I’ve changed a whole bunch of stuff and got a new nutritionist. Now I am working on getting bigger.”

Brayden, good luck with all of your visits this week and with the camp on Monday.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Hawkins family; Brayden Hawkins drops back to pass at a camp.

Photo credit: Hawkins family; Brayden Hawkins at Texas A&M.