CP’s Devon Taylor sits down with CU’s starting QB Cody Hawkins
As I turned the corner around the humanities building, I was predicting what CU’s starting red-shirt freshman quarterback would be like. I was expecting him to be like the football players at my high school, or Hollywood’s depiction: charismatic, cocky and surrounded by beautiful women.
I was wrong, well at least about the latter two assumptions. Sitting alone on the steps next to a small K2 scooter was the short, buzzed-hair Cody Hawkins typing on his laptop.
The first topic we dove into was music. After scrolling through his iPod for several moments, Hawkins named about 25 of his favorite bands ranging from Rise Against, to Gym Class Heroes and the Goo Goo Dolls.
“I enjoy almost everything,” Hawkins said. “A lot of acoustic though.”
Hawkins is also a musician. He’s been playing bass guitar for about three years.
“My brother is the real musician of the family,” Hawkins said. “Our dad set up the garage so we can play.”
Family is very important to Hawkins.
“A lot of people think I came out here primarily because of my dad, when in reality that was about two percent of my decision,” Hawkins said. “I’m really close with my mom and brother and they influenced my decision more than anything.”
His older sister, who is an “Ekin” (“Nike” spelled backwards) for Nike, or more specifically an apprentice to the regional manager in Los Angeles, is also a great influence in Hawkins’ life.
“After graduation, I’d like to coach or work for Nike. I want to promote sports in a positive way,” Hawkins said. “When people think of Nike they only think of the negative aspects but they actually do a lot of good. I want to go into underprivileged areas and build basketball courts for kids. Even the little things can create a positive influence in someone’s life.”
In high school, Hawkins was a member of Brothers and Sisters, a community service program in Boise, Idaho, where high school students mentored younger kids in need.
Hawkins was also the president of his high school’s chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Faith plays a large role in Hawkins’ life.
“I attend First Presbyterian Church and The Annex when I can, although finding time during the season can be difficult,” Hawkins said. “I’m trying to get FCA started at CU as well – right now, it’s very small and not very widespread.”
Beyond football and his involvement at church, Hawkins does have a life – although this doesn’t necessarily mean partying.
“I don’t think one person who knows me thinks I’m a partier…I’ve been given a lot of gifts and I don’t want to give that up doing something stupid,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins stood firmly on his belief that in terms of the spotlight, most kids don’t know who he is, or just don’t care.
“My biggest attribute is my last name, but that doesn’t entitle me to anything just because I can toss a football. It’s just something I love to do,” Hawkins said. “Someone who takes great pictures is just as admirable as someone who can run 300 yards against a No. 1 team.”
