Few college running backs were more productive over the last two years than Louisville’s Javian Hawkins. A former two-star prospect (essentially unranked) in the 2018 recruiting cycle, Hawkins broke the school record for single-season rushing yardage as a redshirt freshman the following year: 264 carries, 1,525 yards, nine touchdowns.
Hawkins then played in eight games in 2020, rushing for 822 yards and seven touchdowns, before opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft.
Despite his production, Hawkins had an uphill battle to climb when he entered the draft. At 5’8, 183 lbs, Hawkins is one of the smallest backs in the 2021 draft class.