Oklahoma football underwent a “changing of the guard” last weekend. Following an abysmal first half from starting quarterback Jackson Arnold in the team’s SEC home opener against the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, the Oklahoma Sooners turned to true freshman passer Michael Hawkins for the final 30 minutes of regulation. Hawkins played well in relief, going 11-of-18 for 132 yards and a touchdown. He regularly made plays with his feet while playing behind a struggling offensive line.
After the dust settled in Norman, Oklahoma, over the weekend, head coach Brent Venables announced Hawkins as the team’s starter in this Saturday’s road battle against the Auburn Tigers, who also have their questions at quarterback. Sooners star safety Billy Bowman is excited about the quarterback change, praising Hawkins on Wednesday.
Billy Bowman Applauds Oklahoma Football QB Michael Hawkins’ Ability
Oklahoma football defensive superstar Billy Bowman did not mince words when discussing the potential of quarterback Michael Hawkins on Wednesday, according to the REF on Twitter:
His maturity, you know, he does not play like a freshman. Since fall camp, really since spring ball, since he got here, we’ve all seen it. You know, that the things this guy can do, how he can move the pocket, you know, use his legs and improvise. It is the situation we’re in now, and so having Mike Hawkins being able to be back there, it’s good.
Bowman, one of Oklahoma’s star defenders, complimented new starting quarterback Michael Hawkins, heralding his ability to make plays with his legs. More importantly, he lauds Hawkins for his maturity, stating he “does not play like a freshman.” A compliment from Bowman likely comes with high regard, with the five-foot-ten defensive back earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2023. He has 15 tackles, one TFL, and one interception in four games this season.
Meanwhile, Hawkins will earn his first career collegiate start on Saturday, albeit his true freshman status. During his final high school season in 2023, Hawkins accumulated 3,039 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and three interceptions across 15 games. He also added nearly 1,200 rushing yards and five scores. A fringe four-star recruit per 247Sports, Hawkins earned Texas District 5-6A first-team honors in 2022 and Texas District 5-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2021.
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