Inside UVA Football 2025: Insights from Ahmad ‘Ball Hawk’ Hawkins
Few people know Virginia football from as many angles as Ahmad “Ball Hawk” Hawkins. A standout defensive back during his playing days, Hawkins now brings his voice and perspective to the radio booth alongside John Freeman. Year one on the mic gave him a fresh look at UVA football from above the field — the good, the bad, and the lessons still to be learned. So, what does Hawkins see going into 2025? We sat down with him to talk expectations, position battles, and the energy this program needs to bring back to Scott Stadium.
Jeff Lowe
8/28/20253 min read
Trust Has to Be Earned
For Hawkins, the biggest challenge facing this team isn’t just X’s and O’s — it’s reconnecting with fans.
“You can’t just ask fans to show up,” Hawkins said. “You have to give them something to believe in. And that starts with winning early. People have to see the product, feel that energy, and then they’ll buy in. You can’t skip that step.”
It’s a simple formula, but one that UVA hasn’t consistently executed in recent years: get off to a hot start, protect home field, and reward the fan base that’s hungry for something real.
The Analyst’s Lens
Moving into the booth meant Hawkins had to balance two instincts — the urge to share everything he knows, and the discipline to hold back.
“There are times you’ve got info you want to drop so bad, but you just can’t,” he admitted with a laugh. “That’s the hardest part. You’re sitting there like, man, I could give you all the details, but nope.”
He also acknowledged the unique grind of calling games during a losing season: “It’s not easy to stay up and positive when the losses pile up. But you’ve still got to deliver the game. That’s where you learn as a broadcaster.”
Position Battles & Playmakers
Looking at the 2025 depth chart, Hawkins had a few surprises — especially at right tackle, running back, and safety. One name that stood out to him not cracking the starting lineup. Donovan Platt.
But all eyes naturally land on quarterback Chandler Morris, the transfer from TCU who has the reins this fall. Hawkins broke down what makes Morris tick:
“He’s decisive. He’s got good pre- and post-snap processing. He’s sneaky athletic — not a burner, but enough to keep you honest. What I like most is he doesn’t panic. He’ll take the shot when it’s there, but he can manage the short game too. That’s what UVA needs.”
Corners and Complementary Football
When asked which position group must improve, Hawkins didn’t hesitate cornerback.
“Corners and the front seven work hand-in-hand,” he said. “If I can reroute a receiver at the line, that makes a lineman’s job easier. If the front is getting home, it lets me jump a route. It’s all about timing and trust.”
With 6’3” and 6’4” corners in the rotation, Hawkins stressed the importance of technique: “You’ve got to have fluid hips if you’re that tall. Teams will test you with double moves. Fundamentals matter. Film study matters. It all ties back to slowing the game down.”
Do the Hoos Have Dawgs?
The word that keeps coming up with Hawkins is dawgs — the guys who bring edge, swagger, and toughness.
“I like Devin Neal. He’s a silent assassin. Cam is a dog. James is a filthy junkyard dog — he looks clean, but he’s filthy. Jason Hammond, Hunter Osborne, Kam Butler — they all bring it. This defensive front? They’ve got that mentality.”
And then came a smile when the name Antonio Dingle was brought up. Fans of a certain era remember the fiery defensive lineman who made Scott Stadium come alive.
“Man, Antonio made football fun,” Hawkins said, shaking his head. “He came out bouncing, crowd hyped, you just knew the team was ready. That’s the energy I want to see again.”
The Culture Has to Return
For Hawkins, this season is about more than wins and losses. It’s about identity. He wants to see Scott Stadium buzzing again like it did against Florida State in 2019, or that unforgettable Virginia Tech win the same year.
“Back then, third downs felt different. Guys were waving to the crowd, the place was alive. That’s what Virginia football should be. Physical, fun, and nasty. Hit people in the mouth, like Coach Danny Wilmer used to say. That’s what gets fans back in the stands.”
The Bottom Line
Hawkins doesn’t sugarcoat it: the 2025 Hoos need to earn their reputation, one snap at a time. The floor and ceiling of the season depend on execution, especially at quarterback and corner. But he believes the defensive front has real “dog” energy, and if the culture starts to click, Scott Stadium could feel like the old days again.
As he put it: “It’s all about timing, toughness, and trust. You get those right, and this team can surprise some people.”
