Once thought a heavy Oklahoma lean, Sooners quarterback target Michael Hawkins backed off his original commitment date of January 31st. With the uncertainty created as Jeff Lebby was being approached for the Alabama offensive coordinator job, things became a little murky in the Sooners’ pursuit of the four-star field general out of Texas.
Things have stabilized regarding Lebby. He’s entrenched as the Sooners’ OC. Hawkins also has decided that he is ready to commit and will announce his decision on April 8th.
Hawkins said via his Twitter account, “‘Moment of clarity.’ I will be announcing my commitment April 8th…”
“MOMENT OF CLARITY” I WILL BE ANNOUNCING MY COMMITMENT APRIL 8TH… pic.twitter.com/DFwY9mPx3i
— michael Hawkins (@mikehawkinsj) March 9, 2023
With his moment of clarity, Hawkins could set the table for Oklahoma as they look to break the ice on their 2024 class.
His decision also directly affects Big 12 rival TCU, who brought in Kendal Briles, the former offensive coordinator at Arkansas. Arkansas and Oklahoma led for months in the recruitment of Hawkins until Briles replaced Garrett Riley after Riley left for Clemson.
TCU is in the hunt for Hawkins because of Briles’ move and shouldn’t be counted out. As it stands, Oklahoma and TCU look set to duke it out on the recruiting trail for Hawkins and will likely do battle for four-star wide receiver [autotag]Bryant Wesco[/autotag]. Oklahoma appears the favorite for Wesco.
Hawkins’s recruitment also has a domino effect that could favor the Oklahoma Sooners if they were fortunate to land the quarterback prospect. Davon Mitchell, a five-star tight end in the class of 2025, is a close friend and favorite target of Michael Hawkins when they played together at Allen High School. He seems highly invested in the final destination of his old QB. There are rumblings that Mitchell plans to reclassify for the 2024 class.
Where we at twin 👀? https://t.co/cyZ6TNurTq
— Davon Mitchell (@davonmitchell82) March 9, 2023
The desire to play together in college has been noted before. The Sooners would love to reunite Hawkins and Mitchell in Norman.
Additionally, Oklahoma could even get the jump on another Hawkins, as younger brother Maliek is a 2025 cornerback prospect who just received an OU offer this week. Landing Michael would position the Sooners to land the Maliek.
With months to spare before signing day, a commitment from Michael Hawkins could impact the present and future of Oklahoma football.
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