High-upside Iowa State linebacker with power-four tools and two-way toughness
Hawthorne arrived at Iowa State as a former four-star linebacker and one of the better in-state defensive prospects, bringing a 6-2, 225-pound frame, real range, and a relentless motor. In his 2024 high school season at Gilbert, he posted 44.5 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, and three forced fumbles on defense while also rushing for 2,263 yards and 28 touchdowns, a rare combo that shows his contact balance and toughness. He redshirted in 2025, so the appeal is projection: a physical, versatile defender whose upside jumps if his instincts and downhill trigger keep catching up to his athletic tools.
