Hawkins earns All-NCCAA Honors

By James Vallone

GREENVILLE, S.C. -  Shorter University senior linebacker Demery Hawkins has been named as a member of the 2012 All-NCCAA Football Team.

Hawkins, a 6-1, 260-pounder out of Lyons, Ga., adds another honor to his career as a member of the Shorter football team, following up on his 2011 recognition as NAIA All-American.

Hawkins led the team in tackles for the second year in a row, with 75 including a school record of 18 tackles for loss in a season. In the November 3 game at West Georgia, a game that will be ear marked as the first Gulf South Conference victory for the Shorter Hawks, 24-20, Hawkins recorded eight tackles. In the final home game of the season, November 10 against GSC opponent Delta State, Hawkins would lead the defense with eight tackles, including three for loss, and one sack as the Hawks claimed the 32-21 victory in his final game as a Hawk.

Hawkins will join fellow seniors Brandon Morten and Mason Strickland as they wear the Hawk on their helmet one more time when he plays in the Freedom Bowl on January 21 from Virginia Beach.

"We are very proud of both Demery and of Coach Jones for the fantastic job they both did in our first year in the NCCAA," Said Shorter Director of Athletics Bill Peterson. "Demery is one of the best football players we have ever had here at Shorter and we are delighted to see him appropriately honored."

In 2011, Hawkins became just the second member of the Shorter program to earn recognition as an NAIA All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) following his junior season. Hawkins led the conference in both tackles and tackles per game. His 110 total stops are the second-best single-season total in school history and his 11.0 tackles per game, which ranked No. 3 in the NAIA, are the top mark in program history.

"When Demery arrived on campus he made an immediate impact," said coach Paul Pitts who serves as Recruiting Coordinator for the Shorter football program. "He is a great young man who quickly became a positive leader for this football team. Demery works as hard as anybody - whether he is in the weight room, spring drills, or on the practice field. He is a tremendous person and it is great to see him earn this recognition. He is a joy to be around and we are proud to call him a Shorter Hawk."

For a complete listing of the team, click here.