Many would argue that leaders are born, not made. The same could go for quarterbacks. A position which requires attention to details, flawless execution and LEADERSHIP. The great ones, Elway, Montana, Moon, Brady and Manning to name a few, encompass all and more of these qualities. Qualities that are seeded in such players and blossom under the right coaching.
Tampa Bay football fans have enjoyed watching the performers of great high school QBs. Some have set county and state records. Others have been fortunate enough to be crowned champions. And a few will be engraved in our memories forever.
In Alonso High Schools short existence the football program has steadily progressed. Numerous football players have signed college scholarships and the expectations for the football program have elevated. When mentioning some of the great ones to graduate from the Raven’s Nest, QB CJ Bennett would have to be mentioned. The Guy Toph winner set the bar for all Alonso QBs who will follow. At 6’0″ 198lbs, Bennett was 3rd team All State, 2nd team (Trib.) All County, 1st team (Times) All County, 2nd team All Suncoast as a senior, 2nd team (Trib.) All County, 2nd team (Times) All County and 2nd All Suncoast as a junior. His junior season he led Alonso to back to back playoff appearances. Bennett threw for school record 58 career TDs and signed an athletic scholarship with South Alabama. Has the bar been reached? Has another Raven QB clinched the reigns of success, prepared to push Alonso into the category of consistent winners?
Brandon Hawkins, a rising QB is described by many as a confident, skillful, leader who has “Developed from a young and lanky sophomore kid that started his first two games vs. Armwood and Hillsborough to the best leader I have ever coached,” claimed head varsity football coach, Brian Emanuel.
Having his first varsity start come against Hillsborough in 2010, followed by a date with Armwood the following week, everything after those two losses seemed like cake to Hawkins. He is now 6-2 and it is evident that he is no stranger to the weight room. Hawkins carries a gravitating personality and has a slight chip on his shoulder. Coach Emanuel says, “He is cocky in a good way and would be our starting free safety if the head coach was crazy enough to let him play there.” To play quarterback requires an edginess. A sort of “Superman” attitude, believing any pass can be thrown, any play can be made and any team can be beat. Hawkins has it!
The QB also must be the brightest player on the field. The QB must know the offensive responsibility of each player, each snap. “He is the smartest player I’ve ever been around and can line up every player on every play and tell him what he is supposed to do. He has taken an active role in 7on7, teaching my freshman QB, Chris Oladokun the ropes,” Emanuel says without hesitation. Hawkins is a legitimate college QB prospect, but besides his ability to throw the football, control the offense and create plays, Hawkins greatest accomplishment is his 3.9 grade point average.
The stats will come. His 1250 passing yards will increase in 2012. His win total is expected to ascend. But Brandon Hawkins will not be known for the numbers he produces, yet the leader he has become. “I expect him to lead us into the playoffs and throw for 2000+ yards next year.” ~ Brain Emanuel, Alonso head football coach [SEE HAWKINS HILITES HERE]