Only Aeneas Hawkins Until Penn State Football

Defensive tackle Aeneas Hawkins arrived at Happy Valley as a four star recruit, considered anywhere from the 13th-best prospect at his position to the 29th-best by the recruiting services. He is listed at 6-foot-2 and 274 pounds but it is his athleticism and quickness at that size that make him so impressive.

After sitting out last season with a redshirt, Hawkins will be ready to compete with fellow youngsters along the defensive line such as Judge Culpepper and P.J. Mustipher. Like Culpepper, Hawkins’ father played football in college and in the NFL. Hawkins’ grandfather played for the Pitt Panthers and also the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hawkins has a half-dozen other family members that have played in the NFL.

The sky is the limit for Hawkins in Happy Valley but it may be a year or two before we really see what he can do on the field, since the current two-deep at defensive tackle is loaded with talented, experienced players.

One thing is for sure, there is no lack of star power surrounding Hawkins in his family life. He put together an impressive video when he declared his commitment to Penn State.

He lists his hobbies as playing piano, boxing, and playing chess. We should see Hawkins at least on special teams this season, and his big body and speed to go with it should be easy to find on the field.

27 more days until Penn State football!