Michigan Football: 10 Wolverines who improved their stock this spring

Brad Hawkins making noise in competitive secondary

The defensive backfield is going to be one of the most competitive parts of the Michigan football team in 2019 and one of a number of players who made strides there this spring was safety/nickel back Brad Hawkins.

Hawkins does have some playing experience with 23 tackles and three tackles for loss last season. He came off the bench against Notre Dame and also played in some sub packages.

This spring, without Lavert Hill in the lineup mind you, Hawkins has been working with the top group as the nickel back. It remains to be seen how much Michigan football uses Hawkins in that role, which would be a big nickel using a safety instead of a corner.

Saturday, Hawkins played well and intercepted a pass from Shea Patterson, which lends credence to the idea that he can hold his own in coverage. Obviously, he will need to fend off incoming five-star Daxton Hill, as well as either a bunch of other defensive backs pushing for playing time, yet there is no doubt that Hawkins moved up the depth chart this spring.