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LB A.J. Hawk (2x All-American, Lombardi Trophy, National Champion, Super Bowl Champion)

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Notes: Hawk to land at 'Will'

Linebacker seen as starter

By TODD ROSIAK
[email protected]

Posted: June 5, 2006

Green Bay - Despite missing the Green Bay Packers' last minicamp and all of their current round of voluntary practices to date, rookie first-rounder A.J. Hawk shouldn't be too far behind when he arrives in town later this week.
That's because until today, the coaching staff had spent nearly all of the four previous practice sessions reviewing rather than installing its defense.
So once Hawk wraps up his classwork at Ohio State, defensive coordinator Bob Sanders expects him to be able to jump right back in as Green Bay's starting weak-side linebacker.
"We said, 'Hey, get your degree, get done, finish class and we'll catch you back up,'" SanderssaidMonday. "But really, to be honest with you, he hasn't missed anything yet. We're very confident he's not going to be far behind."
So far, there doesn't appear to have been any serious talk about Hawk playing anywhere other than the weak side, or "Will," linebacker spot in the Packers' base defense.
But because of his speed and sideline-to-sideline range, Hawk will rarely, if ever, come off the field, thus requiring him to become familiar with the "Mike" (middle) spot when the Packers go into dime coverage and "Sam" (strong side) spot in the nickel as well.
"We try to double-train as many of our guys as we can for as much as they can handle," Sanders said. "So for him, as far as the base defense, he'll be the Will and for as much as he can digest we'll continue to move him on and get him as ready as we can."
Nick Barnett, the team's three-year starter at middle linebacker, led the Packers in tackles with 194 last year in a scheme that calls for him to do just that.
With Hawk's forte also getting to the ball (121 tackles and 9½ sacks last season), some thought he might displace Barnett and move him to the weak side.
Barnett, however, thinks there's plenty of plays to be made for both, just as the coaching staff does.
"A.J. Hawk playing Will is the same as him playing Mike: He's still running free, making his plays," Barnett said. "He's the fifth pick; they want him to make plays. But he'll make just as many at Will as he will at Mike."
 
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Ohio State / Packer helmet

Found this auction item humorous, and figured it fit here more than anywhere else.

be_12.JPG
 
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A.J. Hawk Returns To Practice Field

by Mike Spofford, Packers.com
posted 06/12/2006

By watching videotapes of practices and studying his playbook, rookie linebacker A.J. Hawk was still keeping tabs on his new team while finishing classes at Ohio State the past month.

But he definitely wanted to get back to Green Bay as soon as possible, arriving from Columbus, Ohio, late Friday night despite not being able to return to the practice field until Monday.

"It felt like I was back in Ohio forever," said Hawk, who missed the Packers' second mini-camp in May and half of the organized team activities (OTAs) that began May 31. "These guys were out here practicing and I was stuck in school.

"The coaches sent me the DVD from the second mini-camp and I had to break down all the plays and see the defense we put in, and get it down on paper. But there's nothing like getting live reps against the offense."

Hawk worked with the No. 1 defense at weak-side linebacker on Monday, and if he had fallen behind in learning the scheme, his teammates don't expect him to stay behind.

"We've put in new stuff, but he's a sharp guy, he's a football guy, and he'll pick it up just like that," defensive lineman Aaron Kampman said. "By Wednesday next week, he'll be where everyone else is for the most part."

Hawk continued to workout daily around finishing his classes in criminology at Ohio State. "Studying" encompassed both classwork and football work, knowing that the sooner he learns the Packers' defensive scheme, the more he can let his instincts take over on the field.

"At the end of the day it's still football, and that's what you want to remember," he said. "You don't want to try and think too much, because once you start thinking, you'll make a mistake and then double-check things, and then you're not having fun playing."

Understanding the defense includes knowing your teammates' responsibilities as well. Lining up alongside them certainly speeds up the learning process, versus watching video and mapping moves on paper.

"That's the biggest thing, to know not only what I'm doing but what everybody else around me is doing," Hawk said. "That's when I started to feel comfortable at Ohio State, and that's when you start to understand the defense. That's why I want to get the scheme down here, so I can not think and just play."

That down-to-earth approach and dedication is visible to those working with Hawk.

"I tell you what, from what I've seen of him so far, ...they don't make them like that necessarily anymore," Kampman said. "He keeps his mouth shut, does his job, and that's what you want. You want guys that are coachable and don't come in with a big head and a big ego, and go out and make plays. As you continue to make plays and gain experience, you gain a little more leadership and more responsibility."

Hawk would welcome that in time, but for now he's going to continue taking the advice he heard from other Ohio State alums in the NFL, some of whom had their own catching up to do when they were getting their pro careers started.

"They said to get in there, learn how to be a pro and learn what guys do and how they watch film," Hawk said. "I was missing those things being in Columbus, so it's good to be in here and picking some of those things up."
 
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Pioneer Press

6/13

Hawk finishes school

Rookie linebacker skips graduation, heads directly to Packers' camp

Associated Press

His college studies behind him, A.J. Hawk was back Monday in a learning setting that agrees with him.
The rookie linebacker, whom the Green Bay Packers selected fifth overall in the draft, rejoined the team for the first time in more than a month.
"I don't have to worry about writing papers. It's all football," Hawk said after practice. "I know it's all-day football, but I know there are a lot of people who would love to be in this situation. So, I'm going to try to make the most of it."
Hawk was in catch-up mode in meeting rooms and on the field Monday. He missed the Packers' second minicamp three weeks ago and also didn't participate in the first seven of 14 organized team activities because he had to complete his schoolwork at Ohio State.
Hawk had only one class, sociology theory, in the final phase of Ohio State's quarters system. He had to complete the course without fail to earn an undergraduate degree in criminology in four years.
Hawk, though, didn't wait to pick up his diploma Sunday.
"The piece of paper, they don't know if I was sitting in the stands or not, receiving that," Hawk said.
Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders didn't ease Hawk back into the practice environment. Hawk manned the starting spot at weak-side linebacker, where he's projected to open the season in three months.
"He had very, very good recall," Sanders said. "We added some new stuff today that, of course, he hadn't had. Not only was he recalling the things he had learned, but there was also some new stuff. I thought he did well."

Wisconsin State Journal



Packers: School's out for Hawk

JASON WILDE
608-252-6176
[email protected]
GREEN BAY - A.J. Hawk couldn't help but feel a little bit like the kid who's grounded and has to stay in the house doing his homework while all of his buddies play outside.While the rookie linebacker's new Green Bay Packers teammates went through a second minicamp in late May and seven organized team activity practices, Hawk was back at Ohio State, finishing his degree in criminology and missing out on his chosen vocation: Football.
"It felt like I was back in Ohio forever. These guys were here practicing and I was stuck in school," the Packers' first-round draft pick said Monday after going through his first OTA practice. "I just kept thinking that once I'm done, I'm done."
While a few NFL players wait until after their rookie season to finish up their schooling, Hawk said he didn't want to have to go back. In fact, Hawk was in such a hurry to get back to work that he didn't walk in the Ohio State graduation ceremony Sunday, instead driving to Green Bay on Friday night and spending the weekend with the coaches trying to get caught up. Hawk said he had his mother's blessing to skip the ceremony.

"She said she didn't want to sit out there in the hot sun all day and watch 5,000 people graduate," Hawk said. "It was fine by me."
NFL rules prohibit rookies from participating in voluntary minicamps and OTA practices until their schools are no longer in session, even if they aren't attending classes. For most players, school lets out in mid-May and it's a non-issue.
But with Ohio State on the quarters system, Hawk wouldn't have been allowed to practice even if he hadn't been finishing up his coursework, which consisted of one five-credit sociology theory class.
While he was back in Columbus, Hawk worked out with the current Buckeyes players and fellow first-round draft pick Bobby Carpenter, a linebacker drafted by Dallas. He also had a DVD of the second minicamp sent to him by Packers linebackers coach Winston Moss and had to break down every play on the disc.
"But there's nothing like getting some live reps against the offense," Hawk said.
That's what Hawk got Monday, working with the No. 1 defense at his customary will (weak-side) linebacker spot. According to defensive coordinator Bob Sanders, Hawk actually wasn't too far behind his teammates because the defense had spent the second minicamp reviewing what was installed during the post-draft minicamp.
During the OTAs, Sanders said there was more review, followed by further installations of the sub packages (nickel and dime alignments) and what Sanders calls "tough territory" situations - red zone and goal line. Hawk is expected to be one of the two linebackers in the nickel defense, alongside Nick Barnett, and was exposed to the nickel during the first minicamp.
"It's just one practice, but as far as remembering everything, he did a nice job. (He was) a little rusty on his techniques, which is understandable," Sanders said. "He'd done a good job of staying on top of what he had before."
Hawk shouldn't have much trouble catching up and settling in. He already bought and moved into a house here - in the same golf course community as Packers vice president of player finance Andrew Brandt - and he and his fianc e, Laura Quinn, are in the process of furnishing it. Quinn is also enrolled in summer classes at UW-Green Bay as she completes her work toward a communications degree.
"I wanted to get up here and be here for good. I don't plan on going home much," Hawk said. "I came up here to play football, and that's what I get to do now. I don't have to worry about writing papers. It's all football."
 
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jwinslow said:
Ohio State / Packer helmet

Found this auction item humorous, and figured it fit here more than anywhere else.

be_12.JPG
Click to expand...

I clicked the link to see the auction and couldn't help but noticing that one of the things that comes with the helmet are 'GREEN "Buckeye Awards"' (click and see for yourself). One of the pictures is an overhead shot and the Buckeyes are as green as the other half of the helmet.

Chalk one up to Mili... them thangs are green
 
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AJ Hawk and Jessica Davenport have been named tOSU "Athletes of the Year" for 2006.

ozone
OSU Athletics : The Ohio State University has announced it's 2006 Athletes of the Year. This year's honorees are junior women's basketball player Jessica Davenport and senior football player A.J. Hawk.
Davenport is a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and a two-time All American while playing center for the Buckeyes. This past year she led the Big Ten Conference in points (18.7), rebounds (8.9), blocks (3.1) and field goal percentage (.618).
Hawk lead the football team in tackles for the third consectutive year in 2005 and he was a unanimous selection for team MVP. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was also the Defensive MVP in both the 2004 and 2006 Fiesta Bowls. Hawk was also honored with the Lombardi Award, and was selected fifth overall in the 2006 NFL draft.
The OSU Atheletes of the Year are selected by Ohio State athletics administrators based on their athletic performances throughout the 2005-06 season.
​
 
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LINK

Hawk is ready to go
Packers rookie linebacker A.J. Hawk pursues the ballcarrier during organized team activities on Monday at Clarke Hinkle Field. Jim Matthews/Press-Gazette

061306c1hawkCOLORweb.jpg


By Dylan B. Tomlinson
PackersNews.com

After taking his last final exam, A.J. Hawk couldn’t leave Ohio State fast enough.

Hawk could have stayed in Columbus and received his degree in criminology, but Hawk wanted no part of waiting around for Sunday’s graduation ceremony.

“It felt like I was back in Ohio forever,” Hawk said. “These guys were here practicing and I was stuck in school. I wanted to get up here as quickly as possible. The piece of paper, they don’t know if I was sitting in the stands or not, receiving that.”

Hawk wanted his NFL career to begin.

In May, shortly after the Green Bay Packers took him with the fifth selection in the NFL draft, Hawk got a taste of what it was like to play pro football at the team’s first minicamp.

Three days later, Hawk headed back to school.

Under NFL rules, players aren’t allowed to practice until their class graduates, so while Hawk would have loved to have participated in the Packers’ second minicamp and the first two weeks of organized team activities, he had to stay at Ohio State.

“I just wanted to make sure that I get done with school,” Hawk said. “I’m in Green Bay for good now.”

Hawk practiced on Monday for the first time since May 7, and Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders said he’s not too worried about Hawk having to catch up with his teammates.

“It was great to have him back and he looked great out there,” Sanders said. “He’s not that far behind. He’s a smart guy and a very savvy player, so I’m not worried about that with him.”

As Hawk studied for his finals, he also was given a little bit of extra homework from his new employer. The Packers’ coaching staff stayed in touch with him and sent him DVDs of practice so he would be able to grasp some of the things his teammates were learning.

“(Linebackers coach Winston) Moss sent me a DVD from the second minicamp, and I had to break down all the plays and see the defense we put in and really go through and get it down on paper,” Hawk said. “But there’s nothing like getting some reps out there, some live reps against the offense. That helped me a lot today, I think.”

Hawk said he’s confident he will be able to pick up the Packers’ defense quickly, but said he can use these next two weeks to get more comfortable on the field with his teammates.

“The more you can be around the guys, you can see the more the way they work,” Hawk said. “That’s the biggest thing I learned at Ohio State. There were a bunch of guys who are in the league right now and they told me just to get in there and learn how to be a pro, how they watch film. That’s what was different about being back in Columbus. It’s good to be back here so I can pick some of that up.

“The biggest thing is to know not only what I’m doing, but what everybody around me is doing. I definitely don’t know that yet. I think that’s why I started to feel really comfortable at Ohio State because I knew what everybody around me was doing. That’s when you really start to understand the defense.”

Sanders said it shouldn’t take Hawk long to get comfortable on the field.

“All that will take is reps,” Sanders said. “He’ll be fine after a little while out there.”

Hawk said he will be in Green Bay for the remainder of the organized team activities and will spend the majority of the time between now and training camp in Green Bay. He’s already bought a house with fiancée Laura Quinn, who is transferring college so she can be with Hawk.

“She actually starts school next week at Wisconsin-Green Bay,” Hawk said. “She still has to finish because she transferred several times.”

Hawk said he’s excited to be done with school and can be focused on playing for the Packers and living in Green Bay.

“It’s a great thing,” Hawk said. “It’s just going to be nice because I don’t have to worry about writing papers, it’s all football. I’m very happy to be at this stage right now.”
Click to expand...
 
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Dispatch

6/23/06


A . J . Hawk impressed Green Bay Packers coaches last week in his second mini-camp appearance since being taken with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft. He had missed the previous mini-camp because he was still in school at Ohio State, but Green Bay linebackers coach Winston Moss had sent him a DVD of that minicamp with instructions to break it down in order to get a better grasp of the system.

Hawk took his place on the weak side with the No. 1 defense, which was no surprise. With middle linebacker Nick Barnett absent and the strong-side spot open, Hawk was the lone projected starter to line up at his spot.
He seems to have quickly adjusted to his new surroundings. He and fiancée Laura Quinn closed on a house in the area, and Quinn has enrolled in classes at Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Click to expand...
 
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Some love from Cowherd on espn radio
(From the rookie symposium in San Diego)
When a reporter walked into the gym late sunday afternoon, hawk was the only rookie in there, lifting weights. When he returned at 6 am the following morning, he was the only one there again, wrapping up his morning workouts.
 
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RE: Hawk nominated for ESPY
http://ohiostatebuckeyes.cstv.com/sp...062706aaa.html

I still remember when Lou Holtz scoffed at Mark May for saying that Hawk would have a huge game against ND in the Fiesta Bowl.:slappy:

Beware, voting for Hawk can be a real pain in the ass. I went through numerous categories, voted for people that I never heard of, until I came to his (next to last one)category. You might just want to go directly to:
http://espn.go.com/espy2006/index.html
then (after it loads) scroll down (right side) to "Under Armour Undeniable Performance Award" (the next to last one) and just vote for AJ.
 
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"When the Packers drafted Hawk with the fifth overall pick, it was the highest they had drafted since 1992.
Negotiations with Hawk are not expected to be easy. Last year’s No. 5 pick, running back Carnell Williams, signed a five-year contract worth $30 million, which included a $13 million signing bonus.
If the last three years are any indication, don’t expect Hawk to be in camp on July 28. The Packers’ last three No. 1 picks, linebacker Nick Barnett, defensive back Ahmad Carroll, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, all missed practices while their deals were being finalized." Packer News - July 12, 2006
http://www.packersnews.com/archives/news/pack_26804949.shtml
 
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