Per TheWolverine, Brad Hawkins is moving to safety

Submitted by Maizen on

I really hoped this would happen and now that it has I'm delighted. Michigan has an embarassment of riches at the WR position and almost no depth at safety. Hawkins HS film reminds me of Malik Hooker's when Hooker was a WR for New Castle, PA. An offensive player with incredible ball skills, toughess, and athleticism. They even have similiar recruiting profiles. Long way to go before he's an All American safety obviously, but I think this is going to be a good move for all involved.

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Maizen

April 19th, 2017 at 12:58 PM ^

Probably should have seen this coming in February.

"I love Brad -- he's a kid who signed last year and then attended prep school for a year. He has a phenomenal tape from his prep school, and he was able to get bigger and stronger during that time. He is very fluid. I believe that he can play safety for us too -- I kind of like him on that side of the ball. He's a phenomenal wide receiver as well. He has really good size and a good frame. He goes up and makes plays.

"He was a really good basketball player in high school. He's at his best when the defender is close to him and trying to make a play. He has good speed and is another great young man. He's got a strong connection to Cesar Ruiz as well -- they went to high school together, before Cesar went to IMG. They also grew up together, so that's a cool thing to see them reunite here. Ron Johnson is Brad's best friend from high school, so they are going to continue that family-like atmosphere when they come here." - Chris Partridge

Joined: 08/15/2015

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Michifornia

April 19th, 2017 at 1:03 PM ^

Speed at the safety position is always great.  Hopefully, Hawkins spends a lot of time with D Bush to learn how to lay the lumber.  Got the talent, let's use it!

GO BLUE!!

Joined: 10/03/2013

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Bigku22

April 19th, 2017 at 1:22 PM ^

No doubt, should have great range back there. But man, his highlight tape at WR while at prep school was crazyyyyy. I know we are pretty deep with young WRs and not so deep at safety, but would have liked to see him get a shot at WR. Figure with the year at prep he would have been ready to contribute ASAP.

Joined: 05/23/2013

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Toby Flenderson

April 19th, 2017 at 1:09 PM ^

Hawkins seems like a good teammate and dude. Suppose to come in in 2016, needs a year in prep school so he has to come in for 2017. Yet, 2017 WR is unbelievable so he needs to move to safety and he seems to not bat an eye.

Joined: 01/16/2012

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A2toGVSU

April 19th, 2017 at 1:10 PM ^

Was a legit two way prospect. Caught in the middle of historic recruiting classes at his offensive position. With the structure of Doctor Blitz's defense, we need athletic bodies at safety, since we essentially play 3 at a time. I love Hudson/Metellus/Kinnell/Glasgow, but that group is one injury away from a shuffle and a true freshman as a primary backup. Hawkins to safety makes a lot of sense.

Joined: 09/30/2009

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JayMo4

April 19th, 2017 at 1:14 PM ^

Schoenle was so good in the spring that people are changing positions! Naa but seriously we are loaded at receiver. Seems like a good move.

Joined: 04/19/2013

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lhglrkwg

April 19th, 2017 at 5:25 PM ^

I always take SS guys as like CB/LB tweener types who can run up and thump a running back. I took FS types as the type of guys who is quick and cover a ton of territory deep ie match up with WRs

Again, what do I know, but that's the impression I've gotten from numerous years experience playing Madden

Joined: 07/03/2008

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Michigan4Life

April 20th, 2017 at 12:53 AM ^

FS is more of a cover S who is like a QB of the DB. He sets the coverage call and set them in position. He has to be able to help out over the top. Finding a FS who can play CF is rare since they need to have range, ball skills and instincts to do so.

SS is more of bigger S who can cover TE/RB out of the backfield but must be able to be physical to play against the run.

Of the two, SS is the least important position since you can find most players who can play this position but if you have an elite FS, it makes the defense from good to great.

Joined: 07/29/2010

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