The Green Bay Packers drafted the kind of mind that every team envies when it’s their turn on the clock. Although, he’ll miss about six practices while finishing classes at Ohio State, AJ Hawk impressed at his first taste of mini camp.
Hawk went through a series of drills, got acquainted with his new teammates and said hello to the fans. But afterwards, is where he made the biggest contribution to his teammates, fans and the organization that drafted him.
The 6-foot-1, 246-pound Hawk was the last player in the locker room early Friday evening.
“I enjoy working out after practice,” he said. “A couple of linebackers wanted to watch the practice film and we needed to. I definitely needed to watch my mistakes so I don’t make the same (ones today).”
Hawk said he had no plans to unwind Friday night.
“We’re putting some more defense in (today),” he said. “All the rookies have to get in their playbook and make sure we know what’s going on.”
Armed with that kind of an attitude and dedication, the Packers have found a cornerstone on a defense that found itself in uncharted territory last season: on the other side of winning. Hawk will bring his speed and intensity to every game. He also will bring a sense of toughness and is a sound tackler across the board.
If Hawk shows the kind of work ethic throughout the season that he has shown thus far so early into his career, Green Bay will have an icon at linebacker for years to come.
