A.J. Hawk (6-2, 234, 4.59) of Centerville, Ohio is
another great middle linebacker from the state of Ohio. It's a
fantastic year for talent in Ohio and Hawk is definitely one
of the better players irregardless of position.
On film, A.J. really stuffs the middle on runs up the
middle. In fact, most teams will try very hard to run outside,
trying to avoid the middle where he is stationed.
He made 78 solo stops as a junior along with another 91 assists
for a total of 169 total tackles. He also had 18 tackles for a loss
and recovered 4 fumbles. He has 503 career tackles and has the
single game school record for tackles with 31 which he has done
twice. His 169 tackles in the 2000 season was in 10 games. As a
sophomore, he had 192 tackles in 12 games.
This big guy also played tailback/fullback on offense and
averaged 8.88 yards per carry on 90 carries. He also scored 12
touchdowns on offense and he averaged 40.8 yards per punt.
A.J is also a former NFL National Punt, Pass, & Kick
National Finalist.
Hawk visited Penn State in early February and loved both
Coach Joe and Jay Paterno. He then visited Ohio State
the next weekend and he really liked Coach Jim Tressel and
the entire Ohio State coaching staff.
Coach Mark Dantonio was recruiting Hawk real hard
for Michigan State prior to his becoming the new Ohio State
defensive coordinator. A.J. liked him a lot then and now he
would be his defensive coordinator at Ohio State. This is a very
important plus for Ohio State, plus the fact that A.J. is an
Ohio boy.
His brother Ryan Hawk plays for Miami of Ohio and that
would also be a viable option, but I think that the Buckeyes are the
clear-cut early leader.
A.J. lists Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh,
and Miami of Ohio as his top five schools.
MORE ON A.J. HAWK AT A LATER DATE!
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