Hawkinson Leads Jayhawks Named To TSN Freshman Teams

Dec. 16, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas offensive tackle Tanner Hawkinson was named to The Sporting News Freshman All-America First Team, while three other Jayhawks joined him on the outlet’s All-Big 12 Freshman Team. Hawkinson, linebacker Huldon Tharp, safety Lubbock Smith and kick returner Bradley McDougald, were all listed on the All-Big 12 Freshman Team.

Hawkinson, a redshirt freshman, started all 12 games at left tackle in his first season on the field for KU. Originally a tight end, the McPherson, Kan. product also spent some time on the defensive side of the ball before finding a home protecting quarterback Todd Reesing’s blind side.

Prior to this season KU landed three players on previous The Sporting News Freshman All-America teams – all in 2003 – including Charles Gordon, Jonathan Lamb and Bob Whitaker.

Tharp, a true freshman from Mulvane, Kan., registered 59 tackles on the year after becoming a starter at the beginning of Big 12 Conference play. He had a season-best 13-tackle game against Nebraska and made 10 stops vs. Duke.

Smith, a redshirt freshman from Dallas, Texas, started six games in the last half of the season. He recorded 42 tackles before missing the final game due to an injury. He had a season high of nine tackles at Kansas State and recorded eight stops at Colorado and vs. Nebraska.

McDougald, a true freshman from Dublin, Ohio, saw action at wide receiver, cornerback and in the return game in his first season at KU. He returned 21 kickoffs for an 18.8 average. Offensively, he had 33 receptions for 318 yards, while making five tackles and grabbing an interception on the defensive side of the ball.