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posted 03/23/2006
With the Packers' offseason workout program underway, Mike Hawkins can show off his new muscle-packed frame for the strength and conditioning staff.
The 2005 fifth-round draft pick displayed potential as the nickel cornerback last year, but a combination of ankle, knee and groin injuries caused him to miss four games. Hawkins' added bulk should not only help jam receivers at the line of scrimmage but also ward off those pulls, strains and sprains.
"I learned from the last season," Hawkins said, "that you've got to build up muscle to compete and last through the whole season without getting these injuries."
As a rookie the 6-0 cornerback's weight dipped to 175 pounds. After the season ended, Hawkins hit the weights and reached a peak of 191 pounds -- though he measured in at 187 pounds on Monday. Adding about 15 pounds of muscle is impressive, considering most players add their muscle mass after completing the rigorous offseason workout, which the Packers started on Monday.
Hawkins increased his strength by taking vitamin and protein supplements for the first time and participating in an intense workout regimen with Angelo State senior linebacker Larry Reed. Preparing himself for the watchful eye of NFL scouts, Reed served as the ideal partner to push Hawkins. The grade school friends worked out at their former high school, R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas.
"I try to go back to where it all started," Hawkins said.
On Monday Hawkins emphasized his chest by doing bench press and incline press with medicine ball workouts in between. He did arm exercises the next day, including bicep curls and shrugs. Wednesday was a total lower body day as Hawkins performed lunges, leg press and leg extensions among other exercises. On Thursday he did sprint work on the field and the track to maintain his speed, which was clocked at 4.28 in the 40 during one pre-draft workout. Friday through Sunday served as rest days.
That routine followed a lengthy 2005 NFL season -- a new experience for him. After earning SuperPrep All-America honors at R.L. Turner in 2001, the raw but athletic Hawkins played in five games during his lone collegiate season at Oklahoma and a total of seven games in two years with the Dallas Desperados of the Arena League.
Last year Hawkins learned the hard work needed to preserve his body for a 16-game season. He now ices his muscles, receives deep tissue massages, works out intensely year-round and adds extra muscle to further insulate his body from breaking down.
"(I learned) how to take care of your body," Hawkins said. "Treat your body like it's a car. You've got to maintain your car if you want it to run great."
Coming off an offseason of hard work, Hawkins hopes to push for a starting job in 2006.
"I bring a lot to the table," he said. "I'm going to try and do whatever I've got to do to show the coaches I'm ready."