Brent Hawkins

Infobox NFLactive
currentteam=Free Agent
currentnumber=--
currentposition=Inside Linebacker
birthdate=birth date and age|1983|9|1
birthplace=Alton, Illinois
heightft=6
heightin=2
weight=250
debutyear=2006
debutteam=Jacksonville Jaguars
college=Illinois State
draftyear=2006
draftround=5
draftpick=160
pastteams=
* Jacksonville Jaguars (2006-2008)
nfl=HAW160608

Brent Hawkins (born September 1, 1983) is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois State.

Early years

Originally from Godfrey, Illinois, Hawkins graduated from Jersey Community High School in 2001 where he excelled at basketball, football, and track. [ [http://www.jaguars.com/Team/Player.aspx?id=2647 " 57 Brent Hawkins"] , Panthers.com, "accessed 23 June 2008"] Hawkins played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive end positions. He recorded career totals of 159 tackles, three sacks, 12 passes defensed, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Hawkins was selected as first-team all-state and all-conference as a senior, and was named the Metro-East Area Player of the Year by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2000.

College career

Hawkins began his college career at Purdue on a football scholarship before transferring and playing his final two seasons at Illinois State University. He was runner-up for the Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually to the top defensive player in I-AA football. Hawkins ranked second in the nation with 17 sacks as a senior, setting school and Gateway Conference records. He was also the MVP for the 2006 Hula Bowl.

Professional career

Jacksonville Jaguars

In the 2006 NFL season, Hawkins played in six games and had two sacks before he was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending groin injury. During that period, Hawkins became first Jaguars rookie to have a sack in back-to-back games since 2002.

In the 2007 NFL season, Hawkins saw action at both defensive end and on special teams. He finished the season with 14 tackles (12 solo), a career-high 3.5 sack, one fumble recovery and 14 QB pressures. His 3.5 sacks ranked third on team and helped the team to rank tied for fourth in the AFC with 37 sacks. In addition, he added nine special teams tackles.

The Jaguars released Hawkins on September 2, 2008.

References

External links

* [http://www.jaguars.com/Team/Player.aspx?id=2647 Jacksonville Jaguars bio]