Johnathan Hawkins
Running Back
Campbell University

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Johnathan Hawkins: I am 5’11, 210 lbs and clocked in at a 4.55 40-yard dash.

Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl in Daytona Beach, FL.

Johnathan Hawkins:  It was a great experience with good competition all weekend.  The 1 on 1’s was my favorite section of practice throughout the week.

Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Johnathan Hawkins:  I received my first offer from Auburn University when I was 15 years old followed by Arkansas and Florida State. 

Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Buffalo?

Johnathan Hawkins:  I wanted to embrace the challenge of turning around a program with early opportunities as a true freshman.

Alex Khvatov: Why did you decide to transfer to Campbell for your senior year?

Johnathan Hawkins:  The coaching staff and players played a big role in my decision along with the opportunity of good reps.

Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?

Johnathan Hawkins:  My strengths as a RB is being versatile in the receiving game and being able to stretch defenses.  My catching ability is key in my game.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Johnathan Hawkins:  I would like to improve on lateral explosiveness to become a more dynamic back.

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.

Johnathan Hawkins:  I have seen a lot of playing time at Buffalo early in my career and was labeled a starter as a junior.  I’ve played every special team’s unit in my collegiate career and was the starting kick returner 4 out of 5 years of my career.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Johnathan Hawkins:  The highlight of my career is playing well in the Mercer vs. Campbell game that was held in Georgia and allowed me to play in front of my family and friends.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

Johnathan Hawkins:  My biggest accomplishment in college is graduating and getting my bachelor’s and starting my master’s degree in grad school.

Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?

Johnathan Hawkins:  Saints. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Johnathan Hawkins:  Marshawn Lynch. 

Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a RB?

Johnathan Hawkins:  Vision/patience is the most important trait for a RB.

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?

Johnathan Hawkins:  I look for the safety/LB rotations or any stunt that might tip off where the pressure is being sent from.

Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Johnathan Hawkins:  The Running back stable featuring (Bryant Barr, Cameron Davis and C.J. Freeman).

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Johnathan Hawkins:  Sutton Smith DE (NIU).

Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?

Johnathan Hawkins:  The lessons it teaches you for life.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Johnathan Hawkins:  A leader to me is someone who shows a way for others and sets the expectations.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Johnathan Hawkins:  My hobbies are mostly walking in the park with my dog and chilling with friends.

Alex Khvatov:
What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Johnathan Hawkins:  I want to be a college football coach when I’m done with my career.

Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?

Johnathan Hawkins:  Competitive, determined, ambitious, outgoing and caring.