Former Cocoa Tiger Javian Hawkins Opts Out of Louisville College Football Season to Enter NFL Draft

National Football League draft set for April 29 through May 1, 2021 in Cleveland

Thank You @vincetyra & @UofLPresNeeli for allowing me to showcase my talent here at big red! Toughest Decision I’ve had to make in a while, it has been nothing but a blessing and my heart will forever be here in Louisville ❤️🔴❤️#L1C4🥊 pic.twitter.com/YSQRuwsFdb

— hawK (@JavianHawkins) November 16, 2020

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Current University of Louisville and former Cocoa Tiger running back Javian Hawkins announced Monday that he was opting out of the remainder of the college football season and plans to enter the upcoming National Football League draft set for April 29 through May 1, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Hawkins is a 5-foot-nine-inch, 196-pound redshirt sophomore and is ranked sixth among running backs in Mel Kiper’s latest 2021 NFL draft rankings.

He had a career year in 2019, rushing for 1,525 yards — the most by a running back in Louisville history and posted eight 100-yard rushing games.

In high school, Hawkins played for Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame coach John Wilkinson at Cocoa and finished his prep career with the Tigers with more than 4,000 yards rushing, more than 40 TDs and lead Cocoa to the Class 4A state championship.

Hawkins has blazing speed and has been timed at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash.

WATCH: 2019 highlights for Louisville redshirt freshman RB Javian Hawkins. Hawkins set a UL record for rushing yards by a freshman (1,525) became the only RB in school history to rush for over 1,500 yards in a single season, finished third in school history in rushing yards in a single season (Behind Lamar Jackson in both 2016 and 2017) and was named a First Team Freshman All-American, and All-ACC Second Team.

Hawkins announced his decision to enter the NFL draft on social media:

After much prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to opt-out of the remaining 2020 season and begin preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft. Over the next few months, I will be finishing my semester at Louisville, while also preparing for the Draft.

My experience at Louisville has been nothing short of amazing. My teammates, coaches, professors and the entire Louisville family has prepared me for my next chapter in the NFL. I will forever be grateful to everyone who has contributed to my journey at Louisville.

I thank God for blessing me with this talent and opportunity. This is an opportunity that I realize is a privilege and I will never take it for granted. I would like to thank my parents, siblings and entire family for this Is and unyielding support.

I would like to thank Coach Satterfield, Coach McKenzie, and the entire coaching staff for this guidance. They have made me a better player and person. I would like to thank my teammates for this support, both on and off the field.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank the best fans in college football. I want to also extend a special thank you to all of the First Responders, medical professionals, and all other essential workers for keeping us safe during this challenge, COVID environment. I hope to continue to make everyone proud as I pursue my lifelong dream. Thank you.

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