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All-purpose weapon: Hawkins’ versatility blessing for Pirates
By JACK STALLARD
As Tony Hawkins heads into his senior season at Pine Tree High School — his third year on the varsity — his versatility continues to be a challenge for the Pirate coaching staff.

It’s the kind of “problem” head coach Terry Waldrep loves to discuss and game-plan around.

Hawkins is one of the area’s top overall athletes. A rare combination of size and speed at 6-1, 185 pounds, the Pirate standout has proved to be a threat running the ball or splitting out wide to catch passes on offense while lining up at several different positions on defense to help create havoc on that side of the ball.

“The biggest challenge we have is finding where Tony is best suited to help us,” Waldrep said. “He can play anywhere. He moved from linebacker as a sophomore to safety and did a great job. He could be one of the best tailbacks ever to come through here, but you seldom have a kid that can also split out wide and catch passes like he can.”

Hawkins turned in a spectacular sophomore campaign for the Pirates in 2001. Offensively, he rushed for 139 yards on just 13 attempts. On defense he racked up 113 tackles (62 solos), one sack, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, eight quarterback pressures and broke up four passes.

He had two tackles in a season-opening win over North Lamar, but recorded 33 stops over the next two games — finishing with 16 against Mount Pleasant and 17 against Sulphur Springs. Hawkins reached double figures in tackles six times in 11 games, with a season-high of 19 against Hallsville, and was named the Longview News-Journal’s defensive newcomer of the year.

As a junior, he became more of a weapon on offense where he carried 64 times for 329 yards and caught a team-high 24 passes for 337 yards and four touchdowns. Even when he switched to safety from linebacker, Hawkins still finished with 70 tackles (44 solos), one interception, one forced fumble and four passes defended.

Hawkins, aware that he will become more of a focal point on offense this season while also being expected to perform his usual duties on defense, has spent the summer preparing to play a full 48 minutes each Friday night.

“I’m just trying to get more solid so I can go both ways and be able to take on everything the coaches ask me to do,” he said.

Waldrep appreciates that attitude, especially in a senior who already has given so much to the program.

“The thing about Tony is that he is dependable, hard-working kid who takes care of business on and off the field,” Waldrep said. “You just don’t have to worry about him. You know he is going to work out and do everything you ask him to do and more. He’s a leader, and you really can’t teach that. It just comes from the kid, and Tony leads by example.”

Hawkins is also a standout on the basketball court, and he wouldn’t say which sport he prefers. He did admit he would at least like to catch the eye of college recruiters for his play on the football field.

“Colleges really want a player they can move around, someone who can help the team in several different ways,” he said. “That’s what I try to do.”

Waldrep and his staff are eager to oblige.

“Colleges are looking for athletes, and a kid like Tony can play just about any skill position,” the coach said. “We’re going to use Tony anywhere it helps our team have the best chance to be successful. He will definitely carry the football more this year, but you will also see him line up in the slot so we can get some matchups in our favor.”

In other words, if you want to find Tony Hawkins on the football field in 2003 — offensively or defensively — just look for the football. He is sure to be somewhere close by.