Rated as the #10 inside linebacker in the class of 2009 by ESPN.com...rated a Three Star linebacker by Rivals.com...rated #49 inside linebacker in the class of 2009...rated #46 Player in the Georgia Postseason Top 75 by Rivals.com...a Three Star linebacker by Scout.com...listed as #23 middle linebacker in the Class of 2009 by Scout.com...also #28 Player in Georgia 71 by SuperPrep...member of Southeast All-Region Team by PrepStar...accumulated 112 tackles, 16 TFL, six sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, eight PBU, two touchdown receptions as a senior...coached by Jesse Hicks...chose Clemson over Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Miami, N.C. State, and Nebraska...born 10/31/90...recruited by Chris Rumph.

Plyler on Hawkins: "I only saw Hawkins on film but liked the way he moves his feet. He runs well and makes plays moving from sideline to sideline. He will play outside linebacker but I am not sure if he will play SAM or WILL. If he can come in in good shape I think he could avoid a red-shirt season especially on special teams. Clemson identified him early and he stood by his commitment a long time. I thought it was important for players like Hawkins to stick with the new staff."

Reminds Plyler of: Nick Watkins