Interview: 2020 ATH Hassani Hawkins is Set for a Breakout Season on Both Sides of the Ball
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Throughout the 2018 high school football season, Upland High School was one of the best in the Golden State. The offense was supported by a stingy defense that only allowed 16 points per game on the way to a 12-3 season that included a CIF title with a 24-13 win over Rancho Verde. The Highlanders had a lot of underclassmen talent step up aiding in the big season. One of them was Class of 2020 cornerback Hassani Hawkins. Hawkins (5-9, 150) used his speed and growing understanding of the game to compile 27 total tackles, 19 solo, with a tackle for a loss, and a pass broken up. His role with the team will remain the same on defense at corner, but the team will utilize his game changing speed on offense and special teams to help carry the squad back to a CIF championship game.
In an RNG exclusive interview, as he prepares for a big senior year, I sat down with Hawkins covering his workouts throughout the spring and summer with an update on the teams looking in on him as a Class of 2020 recruit.
Interview
Hassani, looking back on the 2018 season, how do you feel you raised your play on the field to another level?
“Last year I improved on a lot. My sophomore year I did not play as much. Last season, the coaches stressed me on the field because of my speed and strength. I took the sport a lot more seriously last season. Going into the 2019 season, I might play both sides of the ball.
“With my play, my off-man coverage last year improved a lot and I was reading receivers and quarterbacks better. My press was already good, but it got better last year especially with me using my hands better. Most receivers do not get off the line on me anymore.”
Was there an area of your game that was challenged at the beginning of the year but by the end you had overcome that through hard work and experience?
“Yes. The jump-ball. Because I am 5- foot 9-inches, going against taller receivers on the jump ball was difficult. That was a struggle, but I learned the technique to stop it. That is not happening anymore.”
Entering into the offseason, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a corner?
“My strengths are my speed, my breaks, I am strong in press, I have a strong backpedal, good eyes, and I am discipline. I know the route tree. In the games, I am running routes with receivers. Another strength of mine is being a leader on and off the field.”
I like it. How did spring practices with the Highlanders go for the squad?
“Our spring practices were really competitive. We were getting better every day. We have a new coach, Coach Thomas. He pushed us every day to get better. He made us better as an individual and as a team.”
You mentioned this a minute ago; circling back around. Are you adding any other roles to your duties in 2019 beyond playing corner and returning kicks?
“Yes. I am playing receiver, corner, punt and kick returner, and some safety here and there. Playing different positions will get more colleges to look at me. It will also make me a better athlete. I have a good track background. I am ready for the season.”
Are you excited about playing receiver in 2019?
“Oh yeah. I like to use my speed. I am ready to get some jukes on defensive backs to get touchdowns and celebrate on the sidelines. That is how we will win games this year.”
Throughout the spring, what were you working on with your overall game?
“This spring I worked on the ball machine, coming in and out of my breaks, cone drills and footwork drills. I focused on getting stronger, especially on the bench. Justin Flowe and I, we have been on the hills running to build up our speed and stamina. I am getting mentally ready for the season now.”
Did you play 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes. I played for Upland and Premium. That went well.”
Did you receive extra off-site training to work on your footwork and cone drills?
“Yes. I worked with Art Hall. I have known him since my freshman year. I started working with TTGOG again at the end of my junior year.”
How did training with TTGOG help push your skillset forward?
“He is a nice trainer. He motivates you and pushes you to do things you have never done. He focuses on multiple aspects of the game and gets you ready to compete.”
Did you take that competitive spirit to any college camps this summer?
“Yes. I competed at the Redlands East Valley and Arizona State camps.”
How did the ASU camp go?
“It went well. I played receiver at that camp. I was getting open a lot. At the camp, their coaches talked to me about my speed. I gave them my Twitter handle.”
What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
“As a sophomore running track, my best in the 100 was a 10.9 – I think I would run a 10.7 now.”
What other events did you run?
“I ran the 400. My personal best in the 400 is 48.5, and that was with a strained hamstring.”
Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest ahead of your senior year?
“I am receiving interest from UCLA, Washington, Oregon State, and ASU.”
Have you picked up an offer?
“Yes. I have an offer from Notre Dame College (Ohio).”
That’s fantastic. Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
After going through summer ball, how is the team looking building off the spring?
“We are looking really competitive. Coach Thomas has built a work ethic in us. We are in the weight room a lot and conditioning. We are preparing mentally for the season. I think we will have a great season this year.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“I want to come out with eight picks, 1,000 rushing yards – I will be playing some running back this season as well, and I want to break the school return yards record.”
Hassani, I hope all your goals are met and then some. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 20 Hassani Hawkins on the tackle (2018)
Photo credit: Hawkins family; Hassani Hawkins post-game (2018)