The Miami Hurricanes secure towering JUCO offensive tackle Jacob Hawks, adding crucial depth and size to bolster their dominant offensive line for upcoming seasons.
The Miami Hurricanes built an identity around dominating matchups at the line of scrimmage. Last season, the offensive line was among the best in the nation. A group that consisted of left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa, all of whom declared for the upcoming NFL Draft. Despite the departures, the next lineup is expected to produce similar productions.
As offensive line coach Alex Mirabal continues to experiment behind the scenes at spring training, the roster will add more firepower. It was reported on Friday that junior college left tackle Jacob Hawks has committed to the Hurricanes while on an official visit.
The unranked prospect is a Topeca, Kansas, native who attended Washburn Rural High School. He enrolled at Hutchinson Community College, leading the Blue Dragons to an 11-1 record. The team finished as the Junior College national runner-ups after suffering a 28-10 loss to the Iowa Western Community College.
The Blue Dragons averaged 377.8 total yards a game, including 171.7 rushing.
Hawks brings tremendous size, listed at 6-9, 320 pounds. He received an offer from the North Texas Mean Green before landing with the Hurricanes, according to On3. However, the Topeca native won’t officially be listed on the roster until enrolling in the summer semester. Hawks will have three years of NCAA eligibility, including a redshirt.
The former JUCO talent shares similar traits to Bell, given the unique length and size as an offensive lineman. Last season, he allowed only 15 pressures and no sacks, starting in all 16 games. Also, Bell joined the Hurricanes after a couple of seasons with a JUCO program, the Bulldogs from Holmes Community College.
Hawks had the opportunity to meet with coach Mirabal and Mario Cristobal in person for the first time during the official visit. He will get to work alongside five-star offensive tackle and freshman Jackson Cantwell.
After revamping the roster with talented high school recruits and high-market transfer portal talents, the Hurricanes seek to build off the recent National Championship success. Regardless of any potential changes in offensive and defensive schemes, dominating matchups in the trenches remains a priority. Hawks will look to play a factor in the production of high-quality protection for All-ACC Darian Mensah or other quarterbacks down the line.
The Hurricanes are confident about the in-house talent looking to step into expanded roles among the offensive line, but adding depth will be beneficial, whether it’s this upcoming season or the near future.
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