Season in Review: Javan Hawes

The Numbers

• Eight receptions
• 57 yards
• One touchdown
• 17.8 yards per kick return
• Six games

If you look at Javan Hawes’ first year in Cincinnati, you’re really only looking at one game. On Sept. 30, in a blowout loss to Marshall, the freshman wide receiver was let loose a little and got more playing time and targets than he would receive the rest of the season combined. It’s what he did with that opportunity that stood out.

Despite having not caught a single pass before that game, Hawes came away with three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown, the first of his career and the only one he had all season. Hawes also dabbled in the kick return game against Marshall, averaging 19.5 yards per return. He ran back five kicks in total during the season and averaged 17.8 yards each time.

As for the rest of his receiving work, after the Marshall game, Hawes was used sparingly. He caught five more passes the rest of the season, with not one going longer than the 11-yard grab he had against East Carolina.

The Best of the Best

Sept. 30 vs. Marshall

You already know what it is. Hawes caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Hayden Moore with 3:03 left to play in a 38-21 loss.

For Next Year

Hawes was buried on the depth chart, which was expected for the freshman. However, the three-star recruit was able to get his feet wet and with the tools he has, his sophomore season should allow for more opportunity. With Devin Gray moving on, someone else is going to have to catch passes other than Kahlil Lewis and Thomas Geddis. Although its unlikely he’ll be at the top of the depth chart, expect Hawes to compete for a bigger role this spring and into next season.