Courtney Hawkins shares how he recruits against high NIL offers
The college football landscape is still changing every day thanks to NIL with some programs having loads of it while others are falling way behind. I don't know where Michigan State falls into this equation exactly, but I tend to think they are in the top 20 percent of programs when it comes to NIL, which is good but still significantly behind the top programs.
At the end of the day however I am okay with that, I think there is a lot more to building a successful program than just having the most money to hand out to players. And it sounds like Michigan State's coaching staff agrees.
Wide receiver coach Courtney Hawkins took to the podium Tuesday after practice and was asked how he competes against the programs with a lot of NIL. And his answer makes me want to play for him.
"I’m going to be real, be myself, authentic. At the end of the day I’m the guy you’re going to want to invite to your wedding and that’s what it’s all about for me."
- Courtney Hawkins
Hawkins on other schools offering large NIL packages:
— Kenny Jordan (@Kenny_Jordan5) September 10, 2024
“I’m going to be real, be myself, authentic. At the end of the day I’m the guy you’re going to want to invite to your wedding and that’s what it’s all about for me.”
Hawkins shared that he focuses more on his personality and becoming close witht the recruit and their families. So when you combine that with the solid NIL I believe Michigan State has then it should be expected for MSU to still compete with these top programs.
However, when you add in the third piece (and most important I might add) that Hawkins brings to the table then it's very clear that he has the potential to be one of the top recruiters in the country. Hawkins has already found a lot of success coaching receivers during his young career.
Just think of the players he has already helped get to the NFL. Jayden Reed, Jalen Nailor, and Keon Coleman immediately come to mind, and standout freshman Nick Marsh seems more than on his way to a similar journey.
So it appears that Hawkins is choosing to do things the old fashion way while still adopting to the new college football landscape. And the results speak for themselves.
No wonder Jonathan Smith chose to keep Hawkins on his staff when he became head coach
.