Courtesy: Jackson State Athletics
JACKSON, MS. — Jackson State University signee Leroy Hawkins was preparing to begin his college football experience with the Tigers this fall.
Instead, the Desoto, Texas native is now gone too soon.
Dallas police found Hawkins shot to death in the passenger seat of a 2007 Pontiac in downtown Dallas, according to the Dallas Morning News.
KXAS-TV (Dallas-Fort Worth) reported that two men got into an argument with another man. The man outside the car fired several shots. One person was shot and another found cover.
Hawkins, 17, was taken to Baylor Medical Center, where he died from his gunshot wounds, according to the police.
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Hawkins graduated from Desoto High School on May 29 and was headed to Jackson State on a football scholarship.
Three weeks away from school
— Leroy hawkins (@leroyhawkins75) February 6, 2019
He would have started his college football career in three weeks.
#jsu23 we coming baby 2019 signing out ?? pic.twitter.com/8jzPDaHvxQ
— Leroy hawkins (@leroyhawkins75) May 30, 2019
And I will see y’all in some weeks https://t.co/XKDoNylH0E
— Leroy hawkins (@leroyhawkins75) May 30, 2019
As a standout offensive lineman in high school, Hawkins led
the Eagles to a 9-3 overall record, a 5-2 record in its divisional play and
advanced to the second round of the 6A Division I playoffs.
To add perspective from a recruiting standpoint, Hawkins was part of the five offensive linemen signees for Jackson State looking to make a quick impact for the Tigers. This group was looking to replace Charles Paige, Brandon McCoy, Daunte Fisher and Donnell Paster from a year ago.
https://twitter.com/the1400klub/status/1135892139769028609
John Hendrick, the Tigers football coach who is entering his first
full year as head coach of the program, spoke highly of Hawkins.
“Leroy Hawkins was a very special young man,” Hendrick said.
“We will keep Leroy and his family and friends in our
thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.”
Ashley Robinson, the JSU Vice President and Director of
Athletics said the program is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Hawkins.
“Leroy was a tremendous son, athlete, student and friend,
and he will be sorely missed,” Robinson said.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Otis Riddley, the JSU offensive lineman coach, shared his condolences on Twitter about Hawkins.
Had big plans for you kid. God knows best. Rest easy.
— Otis Riddley (@Coach_O) June 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/bradyack/status/1135921565017812992
Hawkins was a Top 300 offensive lineman and 34th in
the state of Texas, according to MaxPreps.
Man…this madness has to end!!! Prayers and condolences to this young man’s family and loved ones.
It’s not about what he was about to do on the football field. It’s about what he was going to do to help change this world for the better.
Senselessly gone way to soon.