The Hawk’s Nest – Reading Quarterbacks

By: Ahmad Hawkins |

The Hawk’s Nest

With Ahmad Hawkins

Hawkins plays professionally for the Grand Rapids Rampage in the Arena Football League. In his first year with the Rampage, he led the team in tackles with 97.5 on the season, including 86 solo stops. He also recorded 6 INTs and scored 1 TD. The team reached the conference championship game. In 2007, he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors from the AFL Writers Association thanks to an oustanding season. While playing for the Nashville Kats, he tied an AFL record with 13 interceptions, including two that he returned for touchdowns. In the end, 12 of the picks led to points (9 TDs, 2 TD returns, 1 FG) for the Kats. Hawkins, a first-team All-AFL selection at defensive back, finished with 65 tackles, 13 interceptions, 6 pass break-ups, and 3 fumble recoveries.

Hawkins played from 1997-2000 at Virginia where he played both receiver and defensive back He had a team-high 4 INTs in 2000 and is legendary in Hoo circles for the go-ahead touchdown catch in the 1998 comeback win at Virginia Tech. His “Hawk’s Nest” column will appear game week Wednesdays on TheSabre.com.

We have all heard coaches and players say “Defense wins championships.” I agree with this phrase because in a big game it will most likely be up to the defense to provide a key stop to either seal a victory or to help give the offense another opportunity to win the game a la the New York Giants in the Super Bowl this past February. As a defensive back, we love the challenge of providing turnovers for the offense in key situations.

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