Kentucky Football Interview with Lexington Catholic 2022 TE Michael Hawkins
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Michael Hawkins is a rising star in the state of Kentucky. The sophomore play-maker not only plays tight end but also spends time as the starting punter. The 6’5”, 230-pound, prospect is making a name for himself on the recruiting trail with an offer from Vanderbilt. College visits have been taken not only to Vanderbilt but also to Purdue as more college programs show interest. Hawkins’ stock is rising and he certainly is a name to watch in the Bluegrass State over the next few seasons.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru, I caught up with Michael to discuss his recent college visits and how his sophomore season is going.
*Click link for Aug. 30, 2019, RNG interview with Michael Hawkins
Interview
Michael, how is your sophomore season going so far?
“My sophomore season has gone well thus far. We are 4-2 with both losses only being by one point. Our quarterback will sign with the University of Kentucky, so it’s great to work with him; it is great working with someone who will be an SEC quarterback.
“I’ve been starting as the punter which kind of makes my dad laugh since he thinks he’s better than me (at punting). I haven’t played much as a tight end yet because we have so many upperclassmen and we run an offense that is more spread and everything goes to the perimeter. I have been working hard each day to work my way into playing time with both the offense and the defense as an underclassman.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I feel my strengths are my catching ability and blocking ability. I’ve worked hard to understand not only our offense but the defenses that we play against to find ways to beat them in the center of the field where I can excel as a tight end. Plus, I study film.”
What college visits have you taken this season?
“I’ve been to both Purdue and Vanderbilt thus far and have many more to visit.”
What did you like most about your visit to Purdue?
“What I liked most about visiting Purdue was the 45-minute talk they gave us about the academic program that we’d be involved in as student-athletes there. The facilities were world class and the atmosphere against TCU was awesome. It was great to see Big Ten football.”
What did you like most about your visit to Vanderbilt?
“It was good to be back at Vanderbilt having been there this summer for a camp and a visit. What was most special was the time that the coaches took to spend with us while we ate brunch there. All the coaches came down and talked to the recruits and ate with us before we went out on the field to watch warm-ups. It was good to strengthen those relationships with the coaches.”
Do you plan on taking anymore this visits this season?
“Yes, sir. I plan on many more trips this fall. We are going to Tennessee, Kentucky, Duke, Miami of Ohio and then maybe Cincinnati, Louisville or Virginia Tech to end the season.”
What have you worked on the most this season?
“I’ve worked mostly on my routes and footwork. I’ve learned that a step here or a step there makes you more-wide open for the quarterback. Precise routes, great footwork in and out of my cuts separates me from the defender.”
What has been your most memorable moment this season?
“My most memorable moment thus far was getting to play against Covington Catholic, where we only lost by one. They are a championship program and have the No. 1 tight end in the nation playing for them. Michael Mayer is a senior and going to Notre Dame. To see him up close, watch him play, block and catch was a great experience. It made me realize what I need to grow into to be at the Division I level that I want to be.”
Thank you for your time and good luck the rest of the season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; Lexington Catholic Tight End Michael Hawkins on his visit to Vanderbilt