Decarius Hawthorne’s Warm Personality Resonates Throughout USF Football Program
TAMPA, Fla. – Coach Alex Golesh referred to him as a locker room favorite. Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando could not say enough about his warm personality. Indeed, Decarius Hawthorne has brought much to USF football this season.
"We love his personality," said Orlando. "He always has a smile on his face. He is a real cool kid, down to earth, never gets rattled and never has a bad day. He has been a great example for us, and he's obviously talented."
Hawthorne, nicknamed 'Hawk,' brought his talents to USF after four seasons at FAU where he got to know Orlando, who was the Owls' DC in 2023, and defensive line coach Kevin Patrick, who was in Boca for three seasons (2020-22) before returning to Tampa for a third stint with the Bulls.
"'Hawk' brought a rejuvenated energy," said Golesh. "He has an infectious personality and plays so hard. He is one of the guys that cares more about others than himself."
Through eight games with the Bulls in final year of eligibility, the Birmingham native is tied for the team lead in sacks (2.5) and tackles for loss (5.5). He had a season-high six tackles against his former team in last week's 44-21 win at FAU.
No play better underscores what Hawthorne has brought to the program than his effort against Miami. Down by 21 points in the fourth quarter of what would be 50-15 loss to the visiting Hurricanes on September 21, the 290-pounder ran across the field from his end spot to make the tackle. It was a play Golesh pointed out in a film session the following week.
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"There was literally zero chance Hawk was going to make the play," said Golesh. "Then you see him run as fast and as hard as he can go, sprinting. I stopped the film in front of the entire team and I said, 'That is winning football.' I said, 'Hawk, you are resembling everything we want in this program."
Hawthorne's fun and engaging nature is nothing new.
"When I was younger, I was kind of the class clown," he said. "My teachers would tell me that I needed to focus on school first and leave the jokes for later. I was not understanding at the time, but eventually I got it."
Hawthorne, whose mother, Katrina, will make the trip from Birmingham to take in Saturday's game against Navy (Noon, ESPN 2) at Raymond James Stadium, brings the energy in practice. Not just in his effort, but how he makes sure his teammates, every teammate, know they have a place on the team.
"I try to make everybody feel like they have a say, or have a part in what is going on," he said. "That builds chemistry. That's why I do it, so people can bring out the true side of themselves. They might be scared to do it, but it doesn't matter because at the end of the day we are all brothers."
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