Overview

• Oklahoma said Hawkins will start Saturday against Kent State at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
• The team has not set a timeline for John Mateer’s return following hand surgery.
• Hawkins says offseason work with OC Ben Arbuckle and QB coach John Kuceyeski sharpened his reads, and he stayed at OU in part because of their arrivals with mentorship from Mateer.
• The offensive line has allowed five sacks in four games compared with 3.8 per game last season, and the receiver group is deeper, with coaches hoping to add Arkansas-Pine Bluff transfer Javonnie Gibson soon.
• Coaches point to daily reps against Brent Venables’ top-rated defense as a catalyst for Hawkins’ improved processing, and Venables praises his work ethic and coachability.