Kentucky Football: Somerset 2022 TE Michael Hawkins Gives Camp and Recruiting Update
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Michael Hawkins is a rising star in the Bluegrass State. The junior tight end recently transferred to Somerset High School and is making a name for himself on the recruiting trail. The Class of 2022 prospect already has two offers from Army and Vanderbilt and is also drawing interest from several other big-time college programs. The 6’5”, 225-pound, play-maker has tremendous hands and size making him an ideal target in the passing game and he can get after it in the run game helping the running backs push the chains downfield.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Michael after he attended the FBU camp in Naples (FL) to get an update on his offseason and recruiting process.
Interview
First off, how do you feel your summer workouts are coming along?
“I feel summer has been great. Obviously there have been no on-campus camps, so I’ve doubled down on weightlifting, speed and agility work. I tried to do the best with what and when we can do something.”
Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your skills with the offseason work?
“I feel the biggest improvements have been in my speed and footwork. I am working the smallest detail to turn that route into a catch and that catch into a longer reception. The ideal is stacking upon the little things to make it second nature.”
Which camps have you attended this summer?
“I went to FBU camp in Naples like you mentioned and before that the Elite Underclassman down in Atlanta. I feel I did well at both.”
How was the FBU Top Gun camp in Florida?
“Top Gun was great. There was a good balance of classroom with individual drills before one-on-ones and 7v7. We chose to go there since the 6-7 on-campus plans we had got cancelled.”
In your opinion how would you grade your performance at the camp?
“I was invited to the All-American combine in San Antonio and was named Gatorade-XOS Digital Tight End of the Week. But I’d give myself a solid B to B-plus. There is so much left to get better on and improve.”
What kind of drills did you do at the camp?
“The drills were basic but the best ones were the ones that dealt with getting away from press coverage, handling a press defender, and how to get free and into my route. That was the best.”
What kind of feedback did you receive at that camp?
“The feedback was tremendous from a great group of coaches. The best things I learned was the foot placement and hand placement to get off line of scrimmage and the head fakes to do in and out of a route. The feedback at the end was nice with the accolades, but I know I have much more to get right.”
What are your maxes in the weight room?
“In the weight room, my max bench is 255 and my max squat is 335. Now that my body is done growing, I look to get stronger now.”
As far as recruiting goes, which schools have offered you?
“Army and Vanderbilt.”
What other schools are showing interest at this time?
“I speak to many programs on and off; Duke, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Northwestern, Purdue, UCLA, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Cincy, and Miami of Ohio.”
As you talk to the various college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your skills?
“College coaches like my size and hands. I send videos a lot and because of the COVID virus and the lack of on-campus eye balls. They give me pointers about routes and moves and they encourage me to get faster and stronger.”
Looking ahead to the 2020 season, what game on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“This season I am most looking forward to playing Corbin High School. They are our regional rivalry; they are a long-standing powerhouse with great athletes. I know some of the guys there. It will be fun and we have them at home to end the season. I’m very excited.”
Have you set any goals for your junior season?
“No real goals individually. Our team is experienced and we should compete for a state title. I’ve transferred to Somerset High School and we are defending Batiste champs. Our quarterback is a Kentucky commit; it should be an exciting year and hopefully we get a full season to play.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your junior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photos credit: Michael Hawkins; Michael Hawkins at the FBU camp