Hawes is a box safety with a rare blend of run-stuffing ability and pure speed. A guy who can flex out into the slot and cover like a corner or come down and play the run like a linebacker, Hawes has a great profile. He’s a candidate to move up in the rankings, if he becomes a bit more consistent from down to down.

Hawes had a breakout season for New Hanover and now moves to Laney, where I’m interested to see if he plays a similar box safety role. At times, he played almost like a 4-3 outside linebacker, but with plus coverage skills and an ability to match up with backs and tight ends. He isn’t afraid in the running game, and he’s a guy whose game we’re growing to love.

While he lacks elite size, Hawes plays a box safety/slot corner role for New Hanover’s JV squad, where he stands out due to his hitting ability. He loves to play football and that’s evident on film. Hawes ends up in the right place at the right time and makes big plays for his defense. I’d expect him to make an impact on varsity in 2025.