Former Ranger and NJCAA First Team All-American left tackle Donald Hawkins talked one-on-one with Northwest play-by-play broadcaster Graham Doty about his road to the NFL. 

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 then offensive coordinator now head coach, 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.