si
In just three games as West Virginia's starting quarterback, Michael Hawkins Jr. has already made a significant impact on the college football landscape. His breakout moment came last Saturday when he torched the 25th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers, showcasing his dual-threat ability and poise under pressure.
Hawkins put on a clinic, completing 10 of 17 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns while adding 123 rushing yards and three scores on 18 carries. That stellar outing earned him the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week award, a testament to his explosive performance.
West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez has been thoroughly impressed with Hawkins' development. "You can see his confidence is growing," Rodriguez said. "You not only see him anticipating the next call, but also making suggestions on what he's seeing, like, 'Hey, what if we do this?' And I think that's the part where I'm really excited for Mike's growth, and it'll get better as this year goes along."
Rodriguez envisions even greater things for Hawkins in the future. "But he's got three years, and I hope to have him for three years because you can see what he's going to be after a full year under his belt, and then another year under his belt. Next thing, he won't anticipate calls; he'll be making suggestions off our playlist that he thinks should be great plays. That part of it is going to be really fun to watch."
Confidence has never been an issue for Hawkins. It dates back to his high school days when he transferred to a new school and beat out eight other players to win the starting job. That self-assurance remained intact during his time at Oklahoma, where he bided his time and worked diligently for his opportunity. Now, he finally has his chance to shine.
"We know what we have in our building. A lot of people don't," Hawkins said after the Virginia win. "So, you know, continue to believe in each other. Going into conference play (this win) helps us a lot—having that confidence and just keeping a chip on our shoulder."
When the spotlight is brightest, Hawkins doesn't waver. He thrives in critical moments, and his calm demeanor is evident when adversity strikes. Not only does he remain composed, but he has also delivered some of the nation's best numbers on third down, proving his clutch gene.
While much of the national attention has been on Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker following the Cowboys' upset of Oregon, Hawkins has a prime opportunity on Saturday to make a resounding statement to the Big 12 and the entire country.
Key Analysis
Hawkins' emergence as a dynamic playmaker has injected new life into West Virginia's offense. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make smart decisions through the air has defenses on edge. With conference play looming, his continued growth will be crucial for the Mountaineers' success. If Hawkins can sustain this level of play, he could become one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the nation.