Ahmad Hawkins is playing both offense and defense and liking it. The Colorado Crush likes it, too.
The receiver-defensive back hopes to make 2006 his breakout season in the Arena Football League. He may have had his best game in four seasons Saturday night in a crucial game against the Nashville Kats.
Hawkins caught seven passes, two for touchdowns, intercepted a pass and made three tackles as the Crush won 77-47.
“He played spectacularly the other night,” Crush coach Mike Dailey said. “He contributed in the game in all phases.”
With the win, Colorado sits atop the Central Division at 7-3 with a one-game lead over the Kats for the division title. The Crush plays at the Grand Rapids Rampage on Saturday night.
Hawkins has helped replace receiver Kevin McKenzie, a salary-cap casualty. Hawkins has career highs in receptions with 10 and touchdowns with six, and his 257 yards put him on pace for another career high. Defensively, Hawkins is on pace for a typical strong season with 41 1/2 total tackles, two interceptions and five pass defenses.
“We played him as a defensive specialist my first year here in 2004 and he was very good,” Dailey said. “Last year we played him at a defensive specialist and two-way player, and this year we’re playing him as a two-way player and he’s getting more opportunity to show the ability he’s had for a long time.”
Hawkins is called “Birdman” by Crush fans because of his last name and his habit of making a bird call on the field when he makes a play. He wants to be considered part of the top flock.
“I just want to be mentioned along with Damian Harrell, John Dutton and Rashad Floyd and all of our great players,” Hawkins said. “I want to be one of the best football players, best teammates, the best at whatever I do.”
Irv Moss can be reached on 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
