Due to Jennings' finger injury, it has been Hawkins getting first-team reps at practice.
Sometimes all a player needs is an opportunity, and SMU quarterback Ty Hawkins has got just that, albeit in unfortunate circumstances.
With starter Kevin Jennings nursing a finger injury, thanks to getting it jammed in a door, he has been limited in practice over the past couple of days and that has meant someone has to step up with the first team.
And that has been Hawkins.
Having only played in five games last season as Jennings' backup, head coach Rhett Lashlee told reporters that, with Kevin out, the team has used the opportunity to give Hawkins as many reps as possible with the first team.
"What we're also doing is looking at it from, let's take the next week, week and a half to really get Ty a bunch of reps for the season and make sure it's 100 percent," Lashlee said.
But giving Hawkins reps is one thing, but what is he doing with them?
Normally, he would be running with the twos as Jennings and the starting offense get things rolling, but with Hawkins now stepping up, it is crucial that the young quarterback takes advantage of those reps.
But has he?
Granted, it has only been a couple of days, but Lashlee has liked what he's seen from Hawkins.
"It's been good," he added. "He's done some really good stuff. He's also had some moments of more growth than he probably would have had. He was going to be taking a lot of reps with the twos. And now, for three straight days, he's taking all the reps with the ones."
And this is a crucial time for Hawkins, because there could come a time when he is called into action during a game.
This is where the banked reps with the first-team can hold him in good stead, and as Lashlee detailed, Hawkins, while he's a backup, is only one play away from being "the" guy.
"Whether it's two-minute drills at the end, whether it's third down red zone or going with the one O-line, the one wide outs and all that, because the reality of it is when we do start the season, he's one play away, right?
"Miami game last year when he got thrown in there. So, I think he's handled it well. I think even more importantly, the guys around him have really, you know, supported him. So, it's been good."
So, when the door of opportunity swings open, it is up to the person to walk through it, and so far in camp, Hawkins has taken full advantage of the reps he's been given.
And at this time of the year, that's all you can ask for from your backup quarterback.
