Frisco‑born quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. returned to the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex for the third time in his college career and finally left with a win. On Saturday night at TCU, the West Virginia Mountaineers defeated the Horned Frogs 24‑20, giving Hawkins his first victory in the region that raised him.
From Oklahoma transfer to Mountaineers starter
After two seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners, Hawkins entered the transfer portal and quickly committed to West Virginia in Morgantown. Head coach Rich Rodriguez praised the young signal‑caller, saying, “Mike’s got the capability of making so many big plays.”
Rodriguez highlighted the Mountaineers’ fast‑tempo, “down‑hill” offense, noting that when opponents load the box, West Virginia can strike over the top. Hawkins echoed the sentiment, describing the system as “very downhill” and “fast tempo,” and emphasizing the trust he has in Coach Rodriguez’s game plan.
Statistical breakout in his first season
Through eight games, Hawkins has become a dual‑threat force. He ranks second in the Big 12 in rushing yards, trailing only running back Cam Cook, and leads the nation in rushing touchdowns with 16. Remarkably, he achieved these numbers in his first year with the Mountaineers, a testament to his adaptability and the offensive scheme.
Rodriguez called Hawkins a “freshman in our system” who will continue to improve, adding, “I’m really proud of what this first‑year player is doing.”
Home‑coming victory and family support
Prior to this game, Hawkins was 0‑2 in his two previous trips to the DFW area. The win against TCU not only broke that streak but also allowed him to celebrate with family and friends who traveled to see him play. “It was great. I haven’t seen my family in a while, so seeing them in the stands was a great feeling,” Hawkins said after the game.
The Mountaineers now sit at 5‑3 heading into a bye week, giving the team a chance to rest and prepare for a challenging final stretch that includes three games against ranked opponents. Their next test comes on Nov. 7 in Lubbock, where West Virginia will face Texas Tech.
Looking ahead
Coach Rodriguez expressed confidence that Hawkins will remain a cornerstone of the program for the next three years, saying, “We got to make sure he stays in Morgantown.” With the bye week and a schedule that pits the Mountaineers against top competition, the team hopes to build on the momentum from the DFW win and finish the season strong.
For local fans in Dallas‑Fort Worth, Hawkins’ success offers a reminder of the region’s talent pipeline and the pride of seeing a hometown athlete excel on the national stage.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
