4-star QB Michael Hawkins Jr. commits to Oklahoma Sooners
Four-star Texas QB Michael Hawkins Jr. is the latest blue-chip quarterback to come off the board.
Hawkins, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 20 quarterback in the nation out of Frisco (Texas) Emerson High School in North Texas, committed to Oklahoma over TCU on Saturday. The Sooners have been trending for Hawkins for several months since Brent Venables and Jeff Lebby arrived in Norman.
Hawkins’ commitment on April 8 should be a pivotal moment for the Sooners’ 2024 recruiting class.
“I’ve been really excited to try and get it over with so I can just focus on football,” Hawkins told On3. “Recruiting-wise, it’s been great. I’m ready to get it going and start building the class.”
Sooners edge out TCU, Briles for the commitment
Hawkins has been a top target for not only Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, but Kendal Briles, who was recruiting the Texas-based signal-caller at Arkansas before taking on the same position across the Metroplex at TCU.
Both play-callers developed strong connections with Hawkins over the years, especially Lebby.
“I’ve had good relationships with both of them,” Hawkins said. “Lebby is a great coach and our relationship is really good. It’s really just always been good. I remember watching a lot of film with him and that’s been good, being in the film room watching their offense and how they operate the offense during spring ball, that’s been good.”
Lebby certainly played a crucial role in Oklahoma’s pursuit of Hawkins. The same goes for Venables.
“Once Coach V got there, the culture changed,” Hawkins detailed. “Oklahoma has come a long way with the culture over there. You can instantly tell that everyone is together as a whole, as a family.”
“Being around him and the players, there’s a lot of discipline being shown and also a lot of love,” he added.
Hawkins Scouting Journal
On3 was on hand for Hawkins and Allen (Texas) High School when they squared off against Denton (Texas) Guyer in October for a regular-season game. Here was the scouting journal entry for the four-star passer:
“2024 QB Michael Hawkins gets rid of the ball in a hurry and is a poised decision-maker. I’m high on his ability to extend plays and operate outside the pocket, and is a focal point for the opposing defensive coordinator to account for. Hawkins throws with good velocity and is quick to release the ball with a sound throwing motion, but lost some accuracy on intermediate throws and throws downfield.”