2024 Oklahoma Sooners Quarterbacks Preview - Michael Hawkins Jr.

I've spoken at length about Michael Hawkins Jr's potential. In fact, I compared him to Kyler Murray... that's how good I think Hawkins can be. He came to Norman after completing a 'Kyler-like' high school career in Texas, finishing his high school career as the number 3-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the nation. 

He's competing for the backup quarterback position against Oklahoma native and college football journeyman Casey Thompson. The mixture of experience he will gain prepping each week, learning from Arnold's game, and learning from Thompson's expertise will be invaluable for the freshman signal-caller. I can't help but hope we get to see him in some clean-up action this season so the rest of Sooner Nation can see him play.

There's something about this kid's vibe. He carries himself with quiet confidence and an ice-cold expression. When he's been on the practice field, however, he burns it up. You cannot find a message board or podcast about witnessing Sooner football practices that have a limited amount of praise for Hawkins' athleticism and arm talent. He only gets a little attention because he sits 2nd or 3rd behind Sooner starter and 5-star Jackson Arnold. However, Hawkins is in the perfect spot for now.

The only official glimpse we've got of Hawkins was the spring game. During the scrimmage, Hawkins went 5-12 for 42 yards, but he had three big scrambles and was confident on the field. I never look too much into spring game stats; it's more of a "how do they look" for me. Hawkins looked calm, methodical, and highly athletic. He also won the Oklahoma football spring superlative for the most improved player on offense.

Nobody else in Sooner Nation, except for Michael Hawkins Sr., is as excited as I am for Michael Hawkins Jr.'s real-action debut. But we get to wait, and Michael gets to wait, too. He gets to take this season to do what many freshmen miss out on, which is easing into the world of big-time college football. The transition to the SEC aside, transitioning from high school football to college football is difficult, especially on the Division One level. Even though I'm confident Michael could make an impact this year, there's no need to rush him. I'm comfortable with him backing up Arnold, and I can't wait to see the 'Kyler-like' impact he will have on the program in the future.