Jeff Hawks, a first-year varsity player for the Haybalers
football team, has been a big part of the strong defensive unit
this season.
The junior free safety comes from good stock. Both his older
brothers starred for the Balers.
Jeff Hawks, a first-year varsity player for the Haybalers football team, has been a big part of the strong defensive unit this season.
The junior free safety comes from good stock. Both his older brothers starred for the Balers.
“He’s the third kid I’ve had come through this program since I got here,” said Baler coach Chris Cameron. “They were all really smart, intelligent and quick to learn.”
Mike, the oldest to come through the Hawks aviary, is currently at BYU, while Matt is on missions trip in Guatemala.
Mike was the quarterback for the 1997 and 1998 teams. He was the MVP for the Balers and was a First-Team All-League selection.
Matt was the starting inside linebacker for the 2000 Baler team, which finished 13-0.
The young fledgling is still testing his wings. But for the most part, Hawks has been able to sore with even the most experienced.
“I’ve grown a lot personally,” Hawks said. “All the players and coaches have helped me to get better, teaching me the little things.”
Hawks’ dedication and commitment to improving his game have helped him to become a good player, Cameron said.
“He has been a great member of this team,” Cameron said. “He contributes a huge amount each week. He is a smart player like his brothers. Jeff has a good work ethic and works hard in the weight room.”
During the 37-7 win last week over Gilroy, Hawks picked off a pass in the end zone from the Mustang running back. The Balers went down to score a touchdown that helped them keep the tempo going.
“I’ve had fun working with the other DBs and getting better,” Hawks said. “(The best part is) when we get it right and make the play and beat the crud out of the offense.”
It took a couple of games for the three-sport athlete to fit into the Baler scheme, but he soon was able to quickly step up.
“The second game I started against Seaside was when I first started playing good and doing what I have been taught in practice,” Hawks said. “Since the Seaside game, I have started doing my job and getting better. I still have a lot to improve on.”
Hawks said he was trying to work on having “quicker feet to get to the tackles and getting to the ball especially this week against Drummer. I have been working on keeping my containment on him.”
North Salinas’ Ronnie Drummer, one of the quickest athletes in the state, has given many teams trouble this year.
But Hawks likes the chemistry of the Balers, who will face North Salinas Friday night.
“We have all been getting along pretty good,” Hawks said. “There haven’t been any real fights or anything. We’re all helping each other and encouraging each other.”
