5 players for Louisville football that you need to know
By Jacob Lane
Javian “Playstation” Hawkins – RB
RS freshman
I’ve talked about it on numerous occasions this offseason, but one of the most important things to Scott Satterfield’s offensive scheme is speed. Whether it’s at the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, or even at the offensive line position, it’s one of the pre-requisites of excelling in CSS’ offenses.
For redshirt freshman Javian Hawkins, that’s exactly what he is going to be bringing to the table this fall.
At 5’9″ 175 pounds, Hawkins isn’t going to be a run up the middle or through the tackles type of runner (at least not every down) for Satterfield and company this fall. Instead, where he’s going to thrive is getting the ball out in space.
Whether it’s from hand offs or pitches out wide, or catching the ball out of backfield, if you get him open, watch out. You don’t get the nickname “PlayStation” without having video game style speed and elusiveness.
As a true freshman, Hawkins appeared in three games for the Cardinals last year carrying the ball twice for eight yards and catching a single pass for four more yards. Thanks to the new NCAA rule that allows players who play in four games or less to redshirt that season and maintain eligibility, Hawkins will be a redshirt freshman for Satterfield this season.
How will Satterfield and new offensive Dwayne Ledford use Hawkins?
Well, as I alluded to before, Hawkins will be a back who gets the ball primarily outside. Appalachian State’s offenses used a lot of pistol and shotgun formations, with multiple backs, where a option play allowed the QB to get out wide and have a home-run hitting back available for the pitch with room to make a play.
This clip below is a perfect example of how you can expect Hawkins to be used.
The Louisville football backfield will likely be led by Hassan Hall, a sophomore who finished the season atop the depth chart, but guys like Javian Hawkins, Dae Williams, Tobias Little, and freshmen Jalen Mitchell and Aidan Robbins will be shuffled in as needed by Satterfield, a coach known for using multiple running backs.
Looking back over the last few seasons, Appalachian State’s primary running back has averaged around 150-175 carries on the season, with rotation guys getting anywhere from 40-75 carries. Expect Hawkins to fit the 40-75 carry mark on the year, with somewhere between 450-750 yards (depending on the offensive line’s improvement) and four or five touchdowns.
The coaching staff has raved about the performance and improvement of Hawkins throughout the Spring, none more so than running back’s coach Norval McKenzie, who said:
“Hawkins has done really well this spring. He does a very good job with the ball in his hands; he’s very electric. He can be an explosive back for us.”
One thing is for sure, whether he’s taking hand offs out of the backfield, catching passes from Jawon Pass, Malik Cunningham, or Evan Conley, or even returning kickoffs/punts, PlayStation Hawkins is going to give the Louisville offense a new dynamic this fall.