As the youngest child in a bloodline of superior athletes, Bayfield’s David Hawkins has a lot to live up to – and the sophomore is off and running.
At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, the Wolverines’ running back and linebacker isn’t your average sophomore. He’s been brought up by an ex-NFL player in father and Bayfield assistant coach Frank Hawkins. David’s older brother, Michael, was a ferocious linebacker for the Wolverines a few years back, and his sister, Katie, is a freshman pole vaulter at Fort Lewis College.
“It puts some pressure on me but growing up it was great to be around the older guys and see how they went about their business,” said Hawkins, son of Cindy and Frank Hawkins. “It wasn’t just the family, the seniors last year are all my sister’s age so I always saw them when I was a kid. When I finally took the field with them as a freshman, I was so nervous, but they were calm and cool and told me to just go have fun and play football.”
Though he’s been the focal point of the Bayfield offense this season, Hawkins enjoys dishing out the hits on the other side of the ball even more. As a freshman, his 60 tackles last season were second on the 2015 undefeated, state championship Bayfield squad. He is also a shot put thrower on the BHS track and field team.
“David went from being the kid we used to pick on in the summer, to being one of our best friends and a great teammate,” former Bayfield quarterback Kelton McCoy said. “He grew a lot last year and when he did, he just fit in naturally with our group. Winners attract winners and he already knew what we were about.”
It’s a good thing McCoy and company aren’t around to pick on Hawkins anymore, because they might think twice when they see him in the weight room. The sophomore maxes out squats at 405 pounds and is bench pressing 335.
His strength has allowed the Wolverines to lean on Hawkins early and often in the 2016 campaign and have been rewarded with a 2-1 record. As he goes, the Wolverines go.
In the team’s season-opening 19-0 shutout loss at San Juan Blanding, Hawkins was fed the ball 12 times and gained 55 yards. The next week, they gave it to No. 33 out of the backfield 29 times, and the result was quite different.
Hawkins run over and around would-be tacklers to rack up 151 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-0 whooping of Bloomfield, N.M.
In last last week’s win against Aztec, Hawkins had 30 carries for 133 yards and a score.
After three games, the battering ram of a back is averaging 113 yards per game and is sixth in the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Class 2A with 339 rushing yards to date.
However, none of those yards or wins will matter when the big game arrives this Friday as Bayfield faces Durango for the first time since 1936.
“I’ve played against them every year from third to eighth grade,” Hawkins said. “It was always a close game so it’s something I’m super excited to do it again. We’re all expecting the stands to be packed, and the team is so excited.”
jfries@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
What is your nickname?:
I’ve been doing something different with my hair and the guys came up with the name “Tredavian” for me. I have no clue...
Who is your celebrity crush?:
Jennifer Lawrence
What running back do you model your running style after?:
Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch. Powerful with the ability to make some moves.
What is your favorite sports team?:
TCU football
What song is your go-to to get pumped?:
One of our coaches was listening to Boyz-N-The Hood by N.W.A. one day and it has kind of stuck with us.
What is your favorite outdoor activity in the area?:
I love to hike up by Vallecito Lake.
Which teacher made a great impact on your life?:
My throwing coach, Chip Holdemeyer
What is your favorite vacation spot?:
I loved San Diego. We went to the beach and Seaworld, it was awesome.
What is your pregame meal?:
Before the game I always have two peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, protein bar and some TruMoo Chocolate Milk.
What is your favorite quote?:
“If you ain’t first, you’re last!” - Ricky Bobby
