The Football Brainiacs

Noteworthy Numbers

2012-2015 – Sterling Shepard

1983-1986 – Derrick Shepard

Player Profile

Position: Quarterback

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 206

Class: Sophomore

Seasons at OU: 1

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Previous School: Emerson HS

The Path to Norman

Michael Hawkins is one of many Texas high school recruits who land at OU. The QB, whose father played for the Sooners in 2002, started gaining a lot of attention in 2022, with offers from Michigan, Alabama, A&M, and more coming in. As time went on, TCU became the main competition to land Hawkins. In the spring of 2023, OU picked up their second commitment in the 2024 class with the announcement by Hawkins to head to Norman. A year later, his brother (Maliek) committed to the Sooners as well.

Career so Far

In a season of offensive bewilderment, Hawkins was thrust in action as a true freshman. He played in seven games, starting in four of them. His play was up and down, with his presence in the Tennessee being a particularly impressive performance.

Stats

Year: 2024

Games Played: 7

Pass Comp.: 76

Pass Att.: 120

Pass Yards: 783

Pass TD: 3

Interceptions: 2

Carries: 69

Rush Yards: 204

Rush TD: 1

Stats via Soonersports.com

Highlights

This Season

Hawkins stuck with the Sooners after last year’s whirlwind. Newcomer John Mateer will start at QB, with Hawkins ready behind him. It appears that the staff will attempt to give Hawkins the redshirt season he expected to have last season, but he’ll certainly be first in line if Mateer needs to miss any time.