Signed: Cedrick Hawkins rounds out safety haul for Buckeyes
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2023 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Cedrick Hawkins has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Cedrick Hawkins was the New Years’ Day gift Ohio State didn’t know it would receive, but 11 months later, it’s sure glad it did.
Hawkins committed to the Buckeyes while they were playing in the Rose Bow and he hasn’t looked back on his decision. Even with coaching changes throughout the defensive side of the ball, he remained locked in with Ohio State.
That all came to a head Wednesday when Hawkins signed his National Letter of Intent to Ohio State.
What does his addition mean for the Buckeyes? Lettermen Row breaks it all down.
Who is Cedrick Hawkins?
Cedrick Hawkins is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound safety who committed to Ohio State on Jan. 1, 2022. Hawkins was pursued heavily by Auburn down the stretch but never wavered in his commitment to the Buckeyes.
On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 276 overall, No. 20 safety, No. 52 Florida.
On3 Ranking: Four-star, No. 295 overall, No. 22 safety, No. 54 Florida.
Hometown: Titusville, Florida
High School: Cocoa
Hawkins committed to a former regime, but the writing was on the wall that changes were coming to Ohio State.
Instead of playing for Kerry Coombs, Hawkins will now join a room that’s led by Perry Eliano. Eliano and Hawkins have built up their relationship and the Buckeyes retained their offer to Hawkins. He has a unique ability to play as a single-high safety but also can play in the box as needed.
Top 10
- 1
Kirby Smart calls out CFP
Georgia HC victory laps committee after win vs. Tennessee
- 2
Josh Heupel
Tennessee HC unhappy with refs
- 3
Dave Aranda
Baylor HC will return for 2025
- 4
Florida trolls Brian Kelly
'Don't damage our tables, coach'
- 5New
Travis Hunter
Colorado star heavy Heisman favorite
Hawkins joins a safety class that consists of Malik Hartford and Jayden Bonsu.
How did Hawkins end up at Ohio State?
Hawkins’ relationship with Tony Alford, his primary recruiter, was what sold the deal for him to end up at Ohio State.
“I went up to Ohio State in the summer (of 2021) 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.”
Cedrick Hawkins Scouting Report (On3)
Multilevel defender who makes his presence felt in the run and passing game. Flies all over the field and plays at 100 miles per hour for all four quarters. Totaled 117 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 4 interceptions during his junior season. Has the necessary long speed to get sideline to sideline but is not an elite burner. Ran an 11.13 100m and a 22.46 200m during his junior track season. Excellent ability to trigger and get downhill quickly. Leaner athletic build with a frame that will struggle to add the necessary weight for every down Power 5 football. Has the athletic traits and movement skills to play at an elite level. Build is slight but if he stays healthy he will produce at an extremely high level. Late NFL draft projection due to size and lack of elite speed. One of the older defensive backs in the 2023 recruiting cycle.
