Louisville running back Javian Hawkins has announced, via Twitter, that he is opting out of the remaining 2020 season and entering the 2021 NFL Draft.
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
The star running back made his announcement after missing Saturday’s game against Virginia, one of seven players that were declared unavailable for the contest.
Hawkins leaves as one of the most productive backs in school history, accumulating 2,355 rushing yards and scoring 17 total touchdowns in 22 games played for the Cardinals. The redshirt sophomore leaves the program ranked tenth all-time in career rushing yards, and tied for fifth all-time in career yards per carry (5.9).
In 2019, Hawkins had the most rushing yards by a running back in Louisville football history (1,525 yards, 2019), earning All-ACC Second Team honors in the process.
As for this season, Hawkins was on his way to another fantastic season. Hawkins had 822 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020, leading the ACC in rushing yards per game (117.4) before his departure.
The departure of Hawkins likely means that Hassan Hall will take over as the new RB1 going forward, assuming he is good to go for Friday’s contest against Syracuse. Hall carries a similar skill set to Hawkins (game breaking speed, versatility as runner and receiver, etc.) with 144 rushing yards in 2020, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Maurice Burkley and Jalen Mitchell will also be fighting for reps. Louisville is coming off a season high in rushing yards last week against Virginia (317), so it is promising that their running game can still produce.
Hawkins is the sixth-ranked running back on Mel Kiper’s big board with ESPN, with the potential to go as a day two prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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