Ohio State has had a good run in recent years at Cincinnati's Archbishop Moeller High School and another potential big-timer is emerging in the Queen City.
Aeneas Hawkins, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound, 15-year-old defensive lineman, has picked up the first two offers of his recruitment in the previous few days, from Florida State, Kentucky and Florida.
"God is good, man," Hawkins told 11W about his recent offers. "I'm just going to keep on working."
It's that work which helped get him his first offers, according to head coach John Rodenberg.
"His effort in the weight has really picked up," Rodenberg said. "He is more serious and has greater focus about what his goals are. The competition he sees in practice along, with the schedule we play. He (now) really thinks he can be that type of player. He has a lot of confidence and is very mature kid."
He's not yet had any contact/interest from Ohio State, but Hawkins says he hopes that changes soon.
"I love some Buckeye football. I haven't heard from them yet, but I'm hoping for that to change," he said. "Ohio State is a great program. I'm familiar with (strength coach) Mickey Marotti. He was my dad's strength coach at the University of Cincinnati, so I know what he's about and I know he gets the most out of his players. Kerry Coombs is another guy from my area that I've heard great things about. And of course there's all the ties with Ohio State through Sam (Hubbard) and Jake (Hausmann)."
Hubbard, who left Moeller as a 6-foot-5, 220-pound safety is now a starting defensive end for the Buckeyes and a potential All-Big Ten or better player. Hawkins says that it's the example of players like Hubbard that set the tone at Moeller.
"He's the blueprint man," Hawkins said of Hubbard. "It shows what hard work and the right opportunity can do for you. Sam Hubbard and (Notre Dame sophomore) Elijah Taylor are two that I've watched more than anyone else. I study their game day in and day out."
Studying the game he loves isn't a chore for Hawkins. Football is in his blood. His father, Artrell, played in the NFL, his uncle Andrew, is one of the league's most exciting wide receivers.
"As far as frame goes, I'm the complete opposite of the other football players in my family," Hawkins side of his cornerback father and wide receiver brother. "The biggest thing for me is that I've seen how my Dad and Uncle have handled it, and I've seen how big of a blessing it really is. Football is what I've loved since the beginning, and the fact that I've been blessed with the opportunity to play at the next level means a lot to me."
"I've really been able to focus in on both of their work ethics. I'm here in Tampa working out with Andrew during spring break and he has really given me some great pointers on keeping a level head and dealing with the upcoming recruiting trail," Hawkins said.
"My dad has really helped prepare me for this my entire life as well. Ultimately what it's shown me is that anything is possible if I keep God first and work hard, everything else will play itself out."
Part of the opportunity comes from having NFL genetics, but that blessing also brings with it a potential–for some–to get complacent because life is a bit "easier." Hawkins says he's not considering allowing the pressure–or complacency–to change his approach. Being at a place like Moeller, with such a rich history of its own, will also keep his eyes on the prize.
"I've never really struggled with expectations or getting lazy, to be honest with you. I take the success in my family and I use it as motivation and reassurance that I can reach my goals," Hawkins added. "On the other hand, Complacency has really been something that I've been pushed away from since I was little. My parents have done a great job with teaching me that a strong work ethic is the most important thing that I can have. Competition is great. Not just on my team, but through the GCL. That's why I came to Moeller."
