Bayfield High School football will turn over a new leaf next fall, and with it comes a reloaded roster.
Worry not, the Wolverines are in safe hands.
David Hawkins, The Durango Herald’s Male Freshman of the Year, was an integral part of the 12-0 season that produced Bayfield’s first Colorado High School Activities Class 2A football championship since 1996.
“I feel honored,” said Hawkins, son of Cindy and Frank Hawkins. “We’re all about taking everything to the next level. We had a lot of seniors and leaders, so I’m going to put more effort into being a leader. I want to move forward and continue to be successful at Bayfield.”
As a freshman, Hawkins’ impact was felt heavily on the defensive end at linebacker. He ended the year with 60 solo tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and two blocked punts.
On offense, Hawkins played behind Herald Male Prep Athlete of the Year Zane Phelps at running back. He only had 29 rushes, but his 4.7 yards per carry was third on the team behind seniors Brody McGhehey and Phelps.
“He has complete dedication, he’s not cocky,” Bayfield head coach Gary Heide said. “He’s a humble and great athlete. He wants to be great, not just average. He has a physical presence and the ability to want to accomplish things on the field.”
Hawkins has athletics in his genes. His sister, Katie Hawkins, was a senior pole vaulter for BHS who recently signed to compete at Fort Lewis College next year.
His father, Frank, who is an assistant football coach for BHS, was a nose tackle for Texas Christian University from 1985-88. David was at TCU this weekend attending a camp traditionally only for upperclassmen. He performed in front of famous Division I coaches such as Urban Meyer and Nick Saban.
Heading into the 2016-17 season, Hawkins has huge expectations for not just himself but the Wolverines as well. As Phelps exits, Hawkins will be there to take over the helm alongside another talented freshman in Keyon Prior.
Heide sees similarities between Hawkins and Phelps and said he expects great things from him at linebacker and expects him to be the team’s starting running back next year.
Aside from football, Hawkins also competed in the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams, the 100-meter dash and shot put in track and field. Hawkins got another taste of state when his 4x200 relay team qualified for the CHSAA Class 3A State Track and Field Championships. Even though the 4x200 team didn’t make it past the preliminary round at state, Hawkins took a big chunk of experience from his time as a track athlete.
“I learned that there’s some technique to running,” he said. “It’s nice to keep in shape and meet the other competitors from the other teams.”
jmentzer@durangoherlad.com
