Hernando ATH Tyrail Hawkins has verbally committed to Georgia Southern, the Leopards senior confirmed Sunday evening in a text message.
The Eagles gave Hawkins his first offer, after he rushed for 328 yards and threw for a touchdown during his sophomore season.
Ball State, Coastal Carolina and Bethune-Cookman offered the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder after a standout junior season. He earned all-North Suncoast honors by racking up more than 1,200 rushing yards, 200 receiving yards and scoring 19 touchdowns on a Hernando team that earned its first district title since 1997.
As a senior, Hawkins threw four touchdown passes, caught a TD and rushed for eight more scores while playing quarterback and running back to help the Leopards make the playoffs for the third consecutive season. He averaged almost 9 yards per carry and finished with 764 rushing yards while tallying three interceptions and 12 passes defended at defensive back.
Georgia Southern is one of the top NCAA Division I-AA programs. The Eagles will play in the national quarterfinals this week against Old Dominion.
Hawkins is the second Hernando senior to make a college commitment. LB Darren Hambrick has verbally pledged to Missouri.
Verbal commitments are non-binding until recruits sign letters of intent.