Michigan Football: Breaking down the return of Brad Hawkins

The Michigan football program got some good news on Monday as safety Brad Hawkins announced he would return to the Wolverines for 2021.

Heading into the 2021 season, Michigan football has a number of positions of need. But one that may not need reinforcements as badly is at safety, especially after Brad Hawkins announced his return to the program Monday.

Hawkins is a senior this year and has played in 28 games for the Wolverines over the past four years but after being limited to five due to injury, he’s said on Twitter he’s returning for another season.

For Michigan football, it’s really good news because Hawkins is one of the better safeties on the roster and a top defender against the run.

Hawkins was able to play in most of games this past season for Michigan football and was one of the more active defenders with 40 tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass deflections.

At 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, there were some thoughts that Hawkins could pursue the NFL after a solid senior season but it didn’t really materialize. He worked his way into a starting role in 2019 with 53 total tackles.

Playing the run has always been one of his strong suits and when he’s been absent over the past two seasons, it’s been noticed and teams have run the ball more effectively.

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Of course, the pass defense has been an issue too and while Hawkins is solid, he’s not ultra fluid in coverage. Still, he would figure to have a leading role at the position, which features only a few others who got meaningful snaps in 2020 such as Makari Paige, Daxton Hill and Hunter Reynolds.

Paige will be expected to be in the mix again this season and much will depend on Hill. Last season, he played corner and safety and broke up four passes but clearly was at his best in coverage.

That will be something for new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to decide but getting the most out of Hill should be a top priority for whoever is calling plays defensively cause it hasn’t happened the past two years.

Hawkins joins another starter from last season, Aidan Hutchinson in announcing his return. Both have NFL aspirations and want to use next season to improve their stock.

And thankfully for the Wolverines, Hawkins and Hutchinson add depth and starters at two key positions, so Hawkins return is welcome news for U-M.