Former Sooners' Heisman-winning quarterback expresses belief in Michael Hawkins Jr ahead of Red River Rivalry
The Oklahoma Sooners coaching staff weren't the only people impressed by Michael Hawkins Jr's poise when he entered the game against the Tennessee Volunteers late in the second quarter with the Sooners down big. Former Heisman Trophy winner and one of the best players in Oklahoma history Sam Bradford was in the stands for that […]
The Oklahoma Sooners coaching staff weren't the only people impressed by Michael Hawkins Jr's poise when he entered the game against the Tennessee Volunteers late in the second quarter with the Sooners down big.
Former Heisman Trophy winner and one of the best players in Oklahoma history Sam Bradford was in the stands for that game, adding to the fanfare of one of Oklahoma's biggest recruiting weekends ever.
Bradford, who earned the starting job as a redshirt freshman in 2007, knew all too well the pressure of being the starting quarterback for the Sooners as a young player. But, as he told SoonerScoop.com, he came away impressed with how easily Hawkins shouldered the pressure.
"I’ve been impressed by Mike. I think the way he handled himself at Tennessee. That’s probably one of the hardest spots for a quarterback to enter a game. Against a good opponent. Things haven’t been going your team’s way. Your team almost has no momentum on that side of the ball and you’ve got to be the one to come in and be that spark. To be able to do that as a true freshman, to show the poise, the calmness he had out there, his demeanor — that was really impressive to me."
Bradford started in Red River as a redshirt freshman, but it's different for Hawkins. Hawkins is set to be the first true freshman ever to start against Texas for Oklahoma at quarterback.
Hawkins's demeanor on the road against Auburn helped lead a fourth-quarter comeback for the ages, creating a huge deep pass late that flipped the momentum of that game.
He’s performed well in just over six quarters of playing time as the starter. While his numbers aren't quite what Bradford was putting up, he’s 21-of-33 passing, totaling 293 yards, one touchdown, and (most importantly) no interceptions. On the ground, he’s totaled 91 yards and a touchdown.
Hawkins's play has been a shot to the arm for an Oklahoma offense that was desperate for any sort of momentum. Now, he has a chance to join Bradford as a Sooners quarterback who walks out of Red River wearing the Golden Hat, victorious.
