Oklahoma football: Michael Hawkins commits to Sooners for 2024

The 2024 Oklahoma football recruiting class floodgates have officially opened. With the verbal commitment announcement today of Mckinney, Texas (Frisco Emerson) quarterback Michael Hawkins, Brent Venable’s staff has secured their 2024 Sooner quarterback.

Hawkins is a 6-foot, 2-inch, 180-pound dual-threat quarterback. He is currently ranks as a composite four-star recruit on 247Sports.com.

To say this kid is a gunslinger would be misleading in two ways. 1) He plays like a grown man, so “kid” is inaccurate. 2) gunslinger is too broad of a term because it allows you to think of a pistol, a rifle, or perhaps even a bazooka.

The more appropriate description of firepower would be a cannon. When I took the time to watch Hawkins’ film, I noticed he made several long-distance throws back across his body. He would roll out to his left and fire the ball downfield with his right arm, no small feat for any quarterback, let alone a high school junior. Hawkins routinely made this throw look easy.

Like many other high-profile quarterbacks in today’s modern era, Hawkins is fast. However, unlike many other quarterbacks ranked alongside him in recruiting evaluations, he displays an uncommon patience with the football. I was impressed by Hawkins’ ability to break would-be sacks and keep his eyes trained downfield.

Hawkins’ most noticeable attribute, however, is his release. The best way to describe it would be “Vince Young-ish.” His wind-up extends slightly behind his head, and his release point is early in his throwing motion. In layman’s terms, he has a very fast release. Overall, his passing mechanics allow him to extend the pocket by letting him wait until the last possible second to throw the ball to a receiver. However, if no receiver gets open, he can utilize his speed and pick up needed yardage.

Hawkins was initially scheduled to commit in late January but decided to extend his recruitment amid coaching carousel rumors involving his three leading schools: Oklahoma, TCU, and Arkansas. In March, Hawkins attended the Under Armour Dallas event, where he won the Accuracy Challenge award. Another hopeful future Sooner, 5-star receiver Bryant Wesco, won the Wide Receiver award.

Hawkins’s decision to bring his talents to Norman should be inspiring news to Sooner Nation. Anytime a fanbase can welcome new elite-level talent, there should be a sense of excitement. However, an added level of enthusiasm should exist when they’re bringing in a talent that commits this early in the process. Hawkins is the second commitment in the Sooners 2024 recruiting class behind Queen City, AZ, defensive back Jeremiah Newcombe.

Welcome to Norman, Mr. Hawkins. We know a storm is coming with you.