Top247 quarterback and SMU commit Ty Hawkins is less than a month into his tenure at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG, is learning the playbook and preparing to play arguably the nation’s toughest schedule.
For the one-time San Antonio Johnson standout, the challenges presented at IMG along with how it can prepare him for early playing time with the Mustangs were the impetus for the move.
“The why, honestly, is the competition level, the player development,” the 6-foot 1/2, 195-pound Hawkins said. “Everything here I feel like develops you into being more of a pro and having more of the mindset of a pro. I always feel like being at IMG, I am getting more ready for college next year.
“Coming in as a freshman at SMU, being ready from being away from home, stuff like that, all of those factors I just feel like I made the right decision.”
Hawkins — the No. 16 quarterback in the class, who flipped his commitment from TCU last month — possesses a diverse athletic profile. He picked up offers early in his high school career to play baseball, and he competed in track and field as well at Johnson.
However, his focus is on football at IMG before he heads to SMU following his season.
“I am just excited to play the national schedule that IMG goes against,” Hawkins said. “I feel like the games are going to be a lot of fun. I feel like I am going to have a great time out there playing with my guys. I feel like we have a great team and the competition level is going to be great.”
The season begins Aug. 22 against Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon and includes games against Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic, Baltimore St. Frances and Cocoa (Fla.) High.
Hawkins was a two-year starter at Johnson. He completed 142 of 212 passes (66.9%) for 2,235 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a junior.
He arrived at IMG with no promises about starting, but there is an expectation that he will win the job.
“I feel like they’ve laid it as I’m going to come in and compete and get reps,” Hawkins said. “All the quarterbacks are going to compete. I feel like if I do my job I do have a better chance of playing. They haven’t promised anything but definitely put the work in and compete with those guys.”
247Sports’ Andrew Ivins contributed to this report.