It’s Thursday afternoon at Camden High School’s football field and, like most teams in America, the Panthers are working through final preparations for another pivotal Friday night matchup. For junior standouts Brad Hawkins and Ron Johnson, a Saturday afternoon game also looms large.
The 4-star tandem is heading to Ohio State for the first time this weekend. The Buckeyes host Big Ten newcomer Rutgers, a program that hosted both players on campus earlier this month and made offers to four members of Camden’s 2016 class.
“College teams want these guys to commit so early now,” said Camden head coach Dwayne Savage, who will travel to Columbus with his players. “It makes it very important to get them on campuses as soon as possible so they can really look at the school and get to know coaches.”
Hawkins and Johnson each hold Ohio State offers, and the Buckeyes coaching staff hasn’t been coy about pursuing the pair. Co-offensive coordinator Ed Warinner traveled to Camden, a community located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, last month to spend time with them in person.
“It means a lot when a coach comes by from pretty far away like that,” Hawkins said.
Now they’ll return the favor.
Hawkins, a versatile wide receiver and defensive back, anticipates an exciting time in a new environment.
“I’ll be looking at everything while we’re there,” he said. “The facilities, the campus, the game atmosphere, all that stuff. It should be great.”
Hawkins, rated…
Continue Reading: 4-Star Teammates Brad Hawkins and Ron Johnson Preview Ohio State Visit
