http://blogs.delawareonline.com/college ... secondary/
Travis Hawkins was quite the sought-after recruit coming out of high school, but his college football career never took off at Maryland. Now that chance comes at Delaware, and Hawkins’ bid to prove himself should greatly benefit the Blue Hens in a much-needed area.
Hawkins, who played both safety and cornerback at Maryland, has transferred to Delaware and will be on the field when spring practice begins later this week. He should improve a young and inexperienced secondary that graduates its entire starting foursome — safeties Anthony Bratton and Darryl Jones and cornerbacks Tyrone Grant and Anthony Walters — from Delaware’s 12-3 NCAA runner-up team.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Hawkins had just two assisted tackles in eight games last fall as a red-shirt freshman at Maryland. He mainly played safety after working as a cornerback his true freshman year.
But the Gaithersburg, Md., resident was widely pursued coming out of Quince Orchard High. He was rated the fifth best player in Maryland and 22nd best cornerback nationally by Rivals.com. The versatile Hawkins ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash in high school, and also played quarterback, running back and wide receiver. He was a teammate of UD reserve tight end Cody Magill.
Penn State, Michigan, West Virginia, Florida and Oregon were among the leaders in the recruiting battle for Hawkins, who opted to stay close to home. That didn’t work out, but Delaware has been a haven for many I-A transfers, and with three years left, Hawkins — who had a reputation as a playmaker and contact seeker — has a chance to have a great college career.
Delaware needs him, too, as cornerback Marcus Burley is the most experienced returnee. Delaware is counting on the development of 2010 reserves Tim Breaker and Ricky Tunstall and several untested players, incoming freshmen and JUCO transfer Laquan James.
Hawkins seems just what the Hens needed, and the Hens may be just what he needed, too.
