Jackson State football signee Leroy Hawkins shot to death

By Wilton Jackson

Posted on June 4, 2019

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.

I just was thinking about all the people said I was never gone be nothing never was gone get pass high school 😂 look at me now 🥳 pic.twitter.com/eEDlJWDh9T

— Leroy hawkins (@leroyhawkins75) May 31, 2019

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.

Another fatal shooting overnight in Dallas following an argument. Leroy Hawkins, 17, was killed, police said. Chief Hall says she is calling on pastoral leaders to help the community resolve issues without violence. https://t.co/uJgBuSsoGa

— Eline de Bruijn (@debruijneline) June 4, 2019

Hawkins, 17, was taken to Baylor Medical Center, where he died from his gunshot wounds, according to the police.

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As a school community, we are saddened by the loss of Class of 2019 graduate, Leroy Hawkins III. We have been in contact with the family and understand that funeral arrangements are pending at this time.Counselors are available in the high school counselor's corner for support.

— DeSoto ISD (@desotoisdengage) June 4, 2019

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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

https://t.co/cU9r0Cqm5I

— 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.

We offer our sincere condolences to the family of JSU signee Leroy Hawkins III. @leroyhawkins75 will forever be a True Blue JSU Tiger. #THEEiLove #JSU23 #RIP pic.twitter.com/1bBOjrYI8t

— JSU Fan Page (@the1400klub) June 4, 2019

 

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

The Tiger Family has lost a member. We are saddened by then death of Leroy Hawkins. A great young man with so much potential. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. #JSUFamily #RIP #75

— Brady Ackerman (@bradyack) June 4, 2019

Hawkins was a Top 300 offensive lineman and 34th in
the state of Texas, according to MaxPreps.

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