Mike Hawkins Reveals How Rich Rodriguez Convinced Him to Join WVU

There’s no denying Rich Rodriguez has found his next great quarterback in Mike Hawkins. The Mountaineers’ dual-threat monster has even managed to join the Heisman conversation through eight games.

So how did Rodriguez land Hawkins in the first place? Hawkins opened up about why he picked West Virginia during his recent appearance on the “Heisman Hopefuls” podcast.

“I just loved his mindset,” said Hawkins. “Developing the offense as a whole and not just the quarterback. Getting guys involved and getting a lot of guys on the field, rotating guys. So that was probably the biggest thing, and just building relationships. Even the defensive side of the ball and having relationships with those guys.”

He then discussed what it’s been like playing for the 63-year-old legendary coach.

“Rich Rod is very hands-on; he knows what he wants. That’s a great feeling just having a head coach that’s on the offensive side and can tell you things that you probably haven’t known, teaching you things every week. It’s great having him in our rooms and being able to help us.”

WVU’s Mike Hawkins Earns Votes as Part of Heisman Conversation

And as a major selling point for Hawkins to stick around at WVU and return to play for Rodrigues another year in 2027, he’s getting tips for adjustments few other coaches could provide someone with his skillset.

“Just always staying down and keep my feet right,” Hawkins said about Rodriguez’s main advice each week. “He’s a great mentor. Just technique, keep my eyes right and in the right place. I probably watch him once a week just on my own time, seeing the things he did and watching his highlights. He’s a great player to watch.”

Through eight games, Hawkins, who started his college career at Oklahoma before transferring to WVU, has thrown for 1,598 yards, run for 836 more, thrown 11 touchdown passes, scored 16 on the ground, which leads the nation and has only turned the ball over twice via two interceptions.

Find more coverage of Mike Hawkins and the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.