Hall of Fame
Don Hawkins played football at Southern Arkansas from 1974-77. A starting tailback, Hawkins, set Mulerider records for rushing attempts in a game (47 vs. Central Arkansas) and season (290), and season records for rushing touchdowns (17), and points scored (102), all in 1977. He still holds the second highest total for rushing yards in a season (1,168), which was a school record from 1977 until 1993, and ranks third in rushing touchdowns over a career with 23.
Hawkins’ 102 points in 1977 was second in the nation that season, and his 1,168 yards rushing was ninth nationally. Hawkins had seven games with over 100 yards rushing in 1977, averaging 116.8 yards a game and 4.1 yards a carry. His 47 carries against Central Arkansas also set a new AIC record.
Hawkins was SAU’s initial NAIA First Team All-America selection in 1977. He also was named First Team NAIA All-District 17, and First Team All-AIC, that year. He played defense at SAU his first two seasons as a Mulerider. Hawkins came to SAU from Longview, Texas, where he played at Pine Tree High School, and now resides in El Dorado.
