Why Hamilton's Brooks Hawkins chose the GLIAC football gauntlet in DII

Hamilton football player Brooks Hawkins became one of the top players in West Michigan as a junior.

As a senior, he continued to improve on both sides of the ball, playing linebacker and running back.

He isn't done improving, either.

Hawkins committed to play football at Northern Michigan, an NCAA Division II program in the GLIAC, that will face the likes of Grand Valley State and Ferris State.

"I loved everything thing the coaches stood for, they have the right values and goals that fit me and the future of the program, the people of Marquette and students at northern Michigan are great people and it will be a honor to call that place home," Hawkins said. "The football program is destined for success, these coaches and players will do anything needed to get it there."

More: Meet the Holland Sentinel All-Area Football Team led by Brandon Holman

In the fall, Hawkins totaled 85 tackles and an interception. He earned all-conference and all-region honors. On offense, he rushed for 800 yards and six touchdowns, caught a touchdown pass and threw two TD passes.

"Brooks Hawkins did it all for us this fall. Our leading rusher and tackler and third in receiving yards. When a play needed to be made, we looked for No. 21 to make it happen, and more times than not he came through," Hamilton coach Zach Harbison said.

Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as  Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.   

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Hamilton football player Brooks Hawkins commits to Northern Michigan