With Kevin Jennings sidelined with a finger injury, it allowed backup Hawkins to get increased reps with the first team.
The life of a backup quarterback can be tough, and SMU's Ty Hawkins knows that better than most.
Having played second fiddle to starter Kevin Jennings last season, Hawkins managed just one pass attempt for the entire year, which was completed for nine yards.
So, there wasn't much work for Hawkins with the starters, and as we know, for a backup, those reps are crucial.
But when Jennings jammed his finger in a door this offseason, he was held out of practice for a couple of days.
And that meant the chance for Hawkins to get some much-needed work with the starters, something that head coach Rhett Lashlee wanted, for Hawkins to get as much work as possible.
But how did it feel for Ty to get those valuable reps with the SMU starters?
"I've definitely just been grateful to get those snaps," Hawkins said. I feel like I've just got more comfortable running the plays and knowing where my receivers are going to be.
Then getting reps with the ones just makes me better because everybody around me is better and they're more ready to play."
Having barely seen the field as a freshman last year, Hawkins came into camp with something to prove.
He was a bit-part player, as most backup quarterbacks are when the starter is healthy, but he came into camp this offseason with a clear plan of attack and several areas that he wanted to improve,
"I would say just building chemistry with my teammates and my receivers," Hawkins said when asked where he wanted to improve.
"Getting more comfortable in the pocket, being less jittery, and making my movements smaller, and then just recognition of coverages."
So, it has been a fruitful offseason for Hawkins, as he continues to develop behind Jennings, but as we know, most Mustangs fans will hope that Ty doesn't see the field in 2026.
Why? Because that means Jennings has gone down injured, and that is nightmare fuel.
Still, with the reps with the first team, and Hawkins getting more comfortable in the system, and building chemistry with his weapons.
If the worst were to happen and Jennings went down, Hawkins might be more than ready to step in and keep the ship afloat.
