Jun
Football in Hawkins blood
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
Where do you begin to tell the story of Andrew Hawkins?
Is it his impressive pedigree? His father, Courtney, was selected in the second round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, although only 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, spent nine seasons in the NFL with the Bucs and Pittsburgh. Hawkins’s cousin, Carlton Haselrig, a Pro Bowl guard, also played for the Steelers, while his brother, Artrell, was a defensive back for the New York Jets. Not to mention his cousin, Geroy Simon, who plays a little football for the British Columbia Lions.
“Growing up as a kid, it was quite natural to follow in their footsteps,” Hawkins said. “If they’d become bus drivers … Thank God they picked something fun.”
Is it the fact Hawkins became the first two-way player for the collegiate Toledo Rockets in 40 years, playing wide receiver and cornerback?
Or how about the fact Hawkins was one of 12 participants on the reality television series 4th and Long? From a list of 30,000 applicants, Hawkins was one of 50 flown to Los Angeles to participate in a scouting combine, being selected to appear on the show, televised Monday at 10 p.m. on Spike TV. The series, hosted by former Dallas receiver Michael Irvin, promises the winner an invitation to the Cowboys’ training camp.
“Before, I was Andrew Hawkins,” he said. “But now, I’m Andrew Hawkins from 4th and Long fame. That’s one of the perks.
“It was the experience of a lifetime,” he continued, not divulging how the series concludes. “Irvin’s one of the greatest wide receivers. To be coached by him was worth the experience. It changed my life.”
Hawkins has crammed a lot of living into his 23 years. And now, the 5-foot-8, 165 pounder is trying to take the next step, making it as a pro with the Alouettes. He arrived at training camp late, due to his TV obligations, but has impressed the coaches with his abilities as a receiver and kick returner.
Hawkins might be small, but he’s fast. Extremely fast. And it behooves the Als to find a way of getting him on the field. He has the potential to be that dangerous; a constant threat who can take advantage of the wide Canadian Football League field.
Hawkins figures to get a long look tomorrow night, when Montreal concludes its exhibition schedule against Winnipeg at Molson Stadium. He could potentially be playing for his CFL career.
“It’s a big game for him,” offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich acknowledged after the Als practised indoors, at the Canadiens’ Bell Sports Complex facility in Brossard. “He didn’t have a lot of opportunities last week (against Toronto). But he has done some good things and we want to see what he can with the lights on. He has that potential.
“He’s very quick and smart. And he learns fast. He’s explosive, and we’d like to see more of him because of his athletic ability.”
A native of Johnstown, Pa., Hawkins started out as a fullback at age 11, and always found he was among the smallest players on the team. He simply looked to his father, who overcame his own physical shortcomings, for inspiration.
“He just always told me to dream big and don’t hold myself short,” Hawkins remembered. “If you don’t set lofty goals, you become stagnant. I look at my size as a challenge. I was told I’d never play Division I. Then I’d never make it to pro. I just keep fighting and use it as motivation, not a detriment. That has helped to flourish my career.”
He was a better defensive back in high school, Hawkins remembered, and when the Rockets’ secondary was struggling, his coaches called on him. That he was also able to play on offence – he started 25 of 37 career games – speaks volumes about his conditioning, and his gene pool; his mother, an all-American in track.
Hawkins left Toledo with 67 career receptions and five touchdowns, along with 1,107 all-purpose yards and another five majors. Defensively, he recovered a fumble while forcing two others. He also blocked a punt on special teams.
He attended training camp as a defensive back with the Jets last season. Released in October, Jets scout Brock Sunderland, who got his start in Montreal, notified the Als, who signed him in December. Hawkins talked to Simon before signing and now converses with him on a regular basis.
Hawkins has been attempting to play catch-up since arriving at camp, but won’t allow that to become a deterrent. “I’m not concerned,” he said. “Everything happens for a reason.
“I’m a little behind, but I’ve always been at my best when my back’s against the wall.”
