Louisville RB Javian Hawkins named a Second-Team Preseason All-American

Louisville running back Javian Hawkins has been named a 2020 Second-Team Preseason All-American by The Sporting News.

The offseason hype continues to build for the University of Louisville football program, as running back Javian Hawkins was named a 2020 Second-Team Preseason All-American by The Sporting News on Thursday.

Alabama's Najee Harris was also named a Second-Team selection at running back, with Clemson's Travis Etienne & Oklahoma State's Chuba Hubbard earning First-Team honors. Hawkins is the only Louisville player to crack the list.

After appearing in just three games and carrying the ball one time for seven yards before taking a redshirt in 2018, he exploded onto the scene for his redshirt freshman year.

In 2019, 5-foot-9 & 196-pound Titusville, FL native ranked seventh in the nation in rushing with 1,525 yards as well as nine touchdowns. He not only broke the freshman rushing record for a running back held by Victor Anderson, but also the school single-season rushing record for a running back held by Howard Stevens. He was named a Freshman All-American and also earned Second Team All-ACC Honors.

Related: Ranking Javian Hawkins' games in 2019

“It shows that hard work does pay off,” Hawkins said after being named a Freshman All-American last season. “There have always been goals to have fun and be great.”

Hawkins was part of a Louisville offense that ranked 24th in total offense (447.3 YPG) and 30th in scoring offense (33.1 PPG). He and wide receiver Tutu Atwell were also the first 1,000 yard RB/WR combo for the Cardinals in 20 years.

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top righthand corner of the page. Also be sure to like us on Facebook & Twitter:

Facebook - @LouisvilleOnSI

Twitter - @LouisvilleOnSI and Matthew McGavic at @GeneralWasp