Historic surge: If he’s nervous, I can’t tell” Michael Hawkins Jr. poised entering shocking 1st Red River Rivalry” he’s a football junkie”Brent Venable with serious hyping…
NORMAN — Taking the bus to the Cotton Bowl’s façade and onto the grounds of the Texas State Fair is like taking a trip into an other world.
It feels like time stands still,” Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables said ahead of the 120th meeting between Oklahoma and Texas.
For Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., that fleeting yet seemingly everlasting moment as the team buses pull into the fairgrounds flanked by a sea of fans will signal the start of what’s set to be an unprecedented day for the Dallas product. Hawkins, making just his second career start, will become the first true freshman Oklahoma quarterback to ever start in the Red River Rivalry — and it will come against the nation’s No. 1 team, no less.
“You can’t prepare him,” Venable said. “You can’t talk him through it, paint the picture. he has some familiarity. so he’s not going to be completely cought off guard… he’s a football junkie, i think it ‘ll create serious space for the squad.
Michael Hawkins Jr., Oklahoma’s freshman quarterback, is entering his first Red River Rivalry with impressive composure. Despite the high stakes of facing Texas, Hawkins shows no signs of nervousness. His teammates and coaches admire his calm and focused mindset, traits that have carried over from his high school days. Known for his dual-threat abilities, Hawkins has been a key asset to Oklahoma’s offense, contributing significantly in early games. His ability to stay cool under pressure could be crucial in one of college football’s most intense rivalries.
Hawkins has had significant moments leading up to this game, such as his standout performance against Auburn. His confidence and readiness reflect his football upbringing, as he is the son of a former college quarterback, which has helped mold him into a player who thrives in high-pressure environments. Coaches have also expressed confidence in his ability to rise to big occasions, and there is a sense that his natural leadership will be pivotal for Oklahoma in the rivalry game.
Although still young and developing, Hawkins’ composure suggests that he has the mindset to take on one of the biggest challenges of his collegiate career. His teammates have rallied around his calm demeanor, noting that his approach helps keep the entire team grounded, even in the heat of intense competition.
The Red River Rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a proving ground for quarterbacks like Hawkins. The Texas defense will be formidable, and Hawkins’ ability to handle the pressure will be tested. However, Oklahoma fans and coaches have a lot of faith in his abilities, and Hawkins will be aiming to make a statement in his first appearance on this grand stage.
This game could mark the beginning of a defining chapter in Hawkins’ career, setting the tone for his future at Oklahoma.
