Name: Chris Hawkins Position: Cornerback
Class: Freshman
Size: 6-foot and 170 pounds
Age: 18
High School: Rancho Cucamonga
Game: While many high school defensive backs come into college as hybrid players, Hawkins is a true corner who has the size and skill-set to contribute immediately. He still has a baby face, but don't be fooled as he packs a good punch for his size.
Prep Career: Hawkins was a two-way starter at cornerback and wide receiver for Rancho Cucamonga High School where he earned All-CIF Inland honors as well as spots on the ESPN 150 and Rivals 100 lists. His senior year, he had 56 tackles, 6 deflections and 2 interceptions while also contributing 2 TD's on offense. He was a U.S. Army All-American.
Spring Ball: At times this spring, Hawkins has been running with the first team. The truth is that both cornerback positions are wide open competitions, and the freshman will benefit from getting to USC a semester early. While it often looks like trial by fire going up against Marqise Lee and Nelson Agholor, Hawkins has kept a short memory and enough confidence to battle it out with the best.
To Quote Hawkins: "You can't be caught flat-footed playing against Marqise Lee, Nelson Agholor, De'Von Flournoy and Victor Blackwell."
Here's Hawkins with our Sarah Bergstrom...
