The Cal football team looks to have added another talented receiver in Jeremiah Hawkins.
 
The freshman is impressing teammates and coaches on and off the field. Head coach Justin Wilcox and wide receivers coach Nick Edwards have both noticed improvements in Hawkins' game since the Golden Bears began training camp on July 31.
 
"Jeremiah is doing a nice job," Wilcox said. "He's learned a lot in a short amount of time. You can see the qualities that he has when he gets the ball in his hands. He's really quick and explosive. He still has a ton of room to improve, but it's been good to get him out here to compete."
 
The first thing that comes to mind for Edwards about Hawkins, both on tape and in person, is his speed. In addition to his on-field skill set, Edwards is encouraged by Hawkins' attitude and how much he acts like a sponge, soaking in as much information as possible. 
 
"He's a guy that is eager to learn," Edwards said. "He's very happy-go-lucky. He just wants to get better. He's always asking questions. He's going to push the older guys to try to get on the field. He's really done a phenomenal job."
 
One of those older guys that Hawkins is motivated to hold his own against in practice is his nephew sophomore safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
 
Although Jeremiah is all business on the field, his happy-go-lucky attitude does manifest itself sometimes.
 
"His laugh is funny, he's just goofy," Jaylinn said. "Even when we're working hard during practice, he'll find a way to make it funny with some trash talking."
 
They enjoy their opportunities to square off during practice.
 
"We're always trying to out-do each other," Jeremiah said. "It's been like that since we were kids. Lots of friendly trash talking. When we step off the field, we're family, but on the field, it's all business. That's how we are. We go hard, making each other better."
 
Natives of Buena Park, Calif., the two are part of a group originated within their family known as The Hawk Row. Six relatives make up the contingent who grew up playing football together, motivating and inspiring each other to keep improving.
 
For the first time in their careers, the two members of the Hawk Row are officially teammates. They both graduated from Buena Park High School, but Jeremiah transferred from nearby Yorba Linda after Jaylinn graduated.
 
The opportunity to share his collegiate experience with family was a big factor in Jeremiah's decision to come to Cal. Choosing a program that has his best interests in mind was also critical for him, and Jaylinn's endorsement went a long way in that regard.
 
"Jaylinn has been a good influence on me as far as making sure I'm on time, going hard every play," Jeremiah said. "He was giving me tips that he picked up when he was a new guy here. Things that he learned from former players who are now in the NFL, so he would give me tips making sure I stay sharp in practice. Coaches notice that. He really helped make my transition smoother."
 
Although Jeremiah appreciates the help Jaylinn has given him, it doesn't mean he takes it easy on his nephew when the two players, who both wear No. 6, go up against each other on the field.
 
Edwards loves to see that extra kick in Jeremiah's step when he's lined up against Jaylinn.
 
"It's easy chemistry," Edwards said. "When you're trying to install a competitive culture and you have a connection like that it makes it easy to create that culture. It's been awesome to see those guys make each other better."
 
Freshman quarterback Chase Garbers had already seen a glimpse of what the Bears are now getting in Jeremiah when the two squared off in the playoffs their junior year of high school. Jeremiah got the best of Garbers back then, but Garbers is excited they wear the same jersey now.
 
"He has great hands, great feet and he's always able to make a big play whenever he has the ball in his hands," Garbers said. "After they beat us in the playoffs, we connected going through the recruiting process together. He committed before I did, and knowing Cal was getting a talented receiver like him helped me in my decision making process to pick Cal."
 
Jeremiah has his sights set on multiple goals during his time at Cal. He's also committed to maintaining a strong GPA and plans to get a degree from the Haas School of Business.
 
Having multiple lofty goals seemed intimidating to him at first until he arrived in Berkeley and found out how many football players have earned the prestigious Haas degree.
 
"A lot of people say it's hard or football players don't like how hard the schedule is," Jeremiah said. "But seeing those guys really do it, it shows me that it's possible and that I can play football and get a business degree at Cal."
 
If first impressions are any indication, he's already well on his way.