Growing up in East Tennessee, it's the dream of countless youngsters to one day put on the Orange and run through the 'T' on gameday. For most, the fantasy never gets past backyard daydreaming, but Loudon's Josh Hawkins, is going to get an opportunity to live out his dream in Knoxville. On Monday morning Tennessee extended the local standout a scholarship offer, and wasted no time at all responding with a commitment to Volunteers coaching staff.

"I was walking down the hall to the doctor this morning on my way to get a physical and (Loudon Co. head coach Jeff) coach Harig called me and asked, 'are you ready,'" Hawkins said of Monday's events. "I said ready for what, and he told me that Tennessee had just called and offered. It just hit me like a ton of bricks, it's exactly what I've been waiting for."

That was precisely the news that Hawkins has been waiting months to hear. He's been holding offers from Kentucky, West Virginia and Mississippi State among others for some time now, but has made little secret of his desire to stay home and play his college football.

"As soon as I got off the phone with coach Harig I called my dad and then I called coach Fulmer and told him I was committed, I didn't waste any time at all, I can tell you that. It's what I've always wanted. Like they say, it's a dream come true for me," Hawkins said.

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