2023 4-star DB Cedrick Hawkins commits to Ohio State

Cocoa, Fla. four-star safety Cedrick Hawkins has been a top recruit in the Sunshine State since his freshman year. The 5-foot-11, 163-pound junior has a long list of offers, but the one from Ohio State is different.

The No. 197 prospect in the On3 Consensus had Florida State and Mississippi State high on his list too, but the Buckeyes got his commitment.

“I went up to Ohio State in the summer and loved everything,” Hawkins told On3. “Over the last two to three weeks, I have been thinking about this.

“I gave coach (Tony) Alford a call a couple of days ago and told him about my decision. Ohio State is where I want to go.”

Ohio State has what Hawkins is looking for.

“Ohio State is going to get me where I want to go. I want to get to the NFL, and they have the great coaches to get me there.

“I like the atmosphere, I love the coaches, and I know they will get me to the league.”

Schools will not stop recruiting Hawkins, the No. 38 prospect in Florida, but he feels good about this decision.

“I am 100% committed to Ohio State,” Hawkins added. “It feels good.”

Alford is the lead recruiting with Ryan Day and Matt Barnes also recruiting Hawkins for Ohio State.