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Crimson Countdown: No. 37 Maliek Hawkins

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo07/24/25BPrzybylo

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2025 Oklahoma football season. Everybody wants to forget about 2024 and move forward.

Head coach Brent Venables and staff have attempted to do that. New face calling the offense (Ben Arbuckle). Venables calling the defense, it’s now or never for this regime at OU in the SEC. No beating around the bush.

Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Crimson Countdown: No. 37 Maliek Hawkins

2024 stats: N/A

2025 outlook:

The cornerback room is going to be full of young guys. So there might be some growing pains that come with that, or someone like Hawkins might find his role right from the jump.

If nothing else, you know he won’t be scared. He has seen what his older brother, quarterback Mike Hawkins, just went through. Knows what it takes to be successful at the Power Four college level.

Maliek Hawkins was definitely a cornerback that a lot of schools had their eyes on. He is not just another token addition because of his brother.

The health of the room, though, might be the best indicator of what legitimate role Hawkins can play at cornerback as a true freshman.

2025 cornerback outlook

Stay healthy, period. OK, that’s simplifying things too much, but it has been an issue. Whether it’s something known like what has gone with Gentry Williams. Or just the lingering issue with Eli Bowen ever since spring. OU didn’t get aggressive in the transfer portal to land an experienced cornerback. So that puts a lot of pressure on some younger guys to grow up quickly. There are a lot of options for guys to come in and make their mark. A big season as well for cornerbacks coach Jay Valai to show he can get his guys playing at an elite level.

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