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Louisville RB Javian Hawkins opts out to prepare for NFL Draft

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/16/20

Louisville Cardinals running back Javian Hawkins has played his last down of collegiate football.

The third-year sophomore confirmed via social media that he is opting out of the remainder of the season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft:

Thank You @vincetyra & @UofLPresNeeli for allowing me to showcase my talent here at big red! Toughest Decision I’ve had to make in a while, it has been nothing but a blessing and my heart will forever be here in Louisville ❤️❤️#L1C4 pic.twitter.com/YSQRuwsFdb
— hawK (@JavianHawkins) November 16, 2020

Hawkins didn't participate in this past Saturday's 31-17 loss to the Virginia Cavaliers that dropped Louisville to 2-6 on the campaign.

Per David M. Hale of ESPN, Hawkins leaves the program third in the ACC with 822 rushing yards. He also contributed seven rushing touchdowns and 16 catches for 127 yards and a score.

He tallied 1,525 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for Louisville in 2019.

As of Nov. 11, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper ranked Hawkins sixth among running backs eligible for next year's draft. Charlie Campbell of Walter Football projects Hawkins will be a late-round draft selection.

"Hawkins was an impressive runner for Louisville in 2019, showing a burst and an ability to handle a workload despite being undersized," Campbell wrote back in August. "For the next level, Hawkins needs to fill out his frame and show more receiving ability."

Hawkins is listed at 5-foot-9 and 196 pounds. He leaves Louisville with 21 career receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown.

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