Andrew Hawken: A True Team Player

Oct. 7, 2009

By Katie Koerner, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant

Being a team player may be an understatement for fifth-year senior and Grandville, Mich. native, Andrew Hawken.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound fullback originally entered the Michigan State football program in 2005 as a standout running back and linebacker. However, after red-shirting his freshman season and dealing with the challenges that come with the transition from high school football to college football, an even bigger challenge awaited him.

As Mark Dantonio and his staff took over the program, Hawken soon found himself taking repetitions as a fullback in practice. From there, he says the rest is history.

"After I switched positions, it just kind of clicked," Hawken said. "Since I was used to playing on the offensive side of the ball it came pretty easy for me. I did have to learn how to block, and that was probably the most difficult thing to get use to."

Although Hawken admits the switch to fullback was uncomfortable at first, he said the only aspect that was important to him was being out on the football field and helping his teammates be victorious.

"I was willing to do whatever Coach Dantonio needed me to do," said Hawken. "Whatever I can do to help the team I am all for."

It was this unselfish attitude and hard-working demeanor that led to appearances in all 13 games during the 2007 season. He even caught the first pass of the Dantonio era, a 15-yard catch in the season opener vs. UAB.

Just one season later, he found himself another new role on the team as he became the primary blocker for MSU All-American running back Javon Ringer. It was that experience, Hawken said, that really taught him the ins and outs of being a fullback at the collegiate level.

"Blocking for Javon last year was really a privilege for me," Hawken said. "I learned a lot from his work ethic and how he approached not only the games but practices as well.

"I also learned the type of cuts running backs normally make, and how to get into the best blocking position in those situations," he added. "I definitely feel more comfortable out there now. Last year really shaped me into a true fullback."

Hawken is now one of most experienced players in the Spartan backfield, leading the underclassmen and helping them grasp the offense.

"I feel like I'm able to play faster now because I have been in the offense for three years," Hawken said. "I know the drill, I know the plays, and now I'm trying to use my experience to win games and to help out some of the younger guys on the team."

With the last season of his college career underway, Hawken said it is his pure love for winning that serves as his motivation while on the football field.

"You know you are playing with your best friends and even your roommates in some cases," he said. "You are playing for each other, and you want to win for each other too."

Although he admits the season did not start out as planned, he said he is confident the team's goals for the 2009 season are still intact.

"Our goal is to win a Big Ten Championship," he said. "Our goals are still in front of us, and winning the Big Ten and a bowl game are what we are working toward everyday."

Not only has Hawken found success on the football field, but in the classroom as well. An Academic All-Big Ten selection for three consecutive years and a member of the 2008 CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team, Hawken will graduate this December with a degree in supply chain management.

As his time as a student-athlete draws to a close, Hawken said the opportunity he has had to play in Spartan Stadium and be a part of the football program at MSU is something he will remember forever.

"It has been like a dream come true to come to East Lansing and play in the green and white uniform," he said. "I will remember all my coaches and all the confidence they have in me, and all the memories I have made with my teammates and friends. I take a lot of pride in all the hard work we have put in over the years, and it's really just been just an unforgettable experience."

GETTING TO KNOW Andrew Hawken

Favorite movie: Gladiator
Favorite food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite sport other than football: Baseball
Favorite class at MSU: Marketing Logistics
Favorite profesional athlete: Derek Jeter
Favorite hobby: Playing video games
Favorite spot on campus: Spartan Stadium

This feature was originally published in the Oct. 3 edition of Michigan State Football Gameday Magazine.