PHILADELPHIA – A former NJCAA First Team All-American selection at Northwest and a Second Team All-Big 12 selection at Texas, Donald Hawkins was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced Saturday after the conclusion of the 2014 NFL Draft.

"It's always been a dream of mine to get drafted but that didn't happen," Hawkins said. "The chip on my shoulder just got bigger. I'm ready to start my journey in Philadelphia."

Hawkins will wear No. 78 for the Eagles and will become one of three former Rangers who are on active NFL rosters along with running back Daniel Thomas (Dolphins) and receiver Myles White (Packers).  

Hawkins' stock began to rise after playing in the 2014 Medal of Honor Bowl and East-West Shrine game. He had contact with 25 of the 32 NFL teams during the past two weeks leading up to the draft.  

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive tackle from Tunica played for Northwest in 2010-11 and was a two-time all-state selection and also the offensive line MVP and an all-region selection as a sophomore. In 19 career starts, Hawkins helped lead the Rangers to a 15-4 record and didn't allow a sack on one of the most prolific offenses in the NJCAA under offensive coordinator Jack Wright.   

Turning down other major offers from Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Arkansas, Kansas State and Oklahoma State to name a few, Hawkins committed to The University of Texas on Dec. 7, 2011.  

He played in 25 career games with 24 starts (all at left tackle) for the Longhorns under hall of famer Mack Brown. He started the last 18 games of his career (third most on the offense at the end of 2013) and was a 2013 first team All-Big 12 pick by the San Antonio Express-News and also earned 2013 second team all-league honors from the AP, coaches and Athlon. 

Hawkins graduated from The University Texas in December of 2013 with a degree in applied learning and development/youth and community studies.