Somewhat lost amidst Bret Bielema‘s one-man comedy routine at SEC Media Days was a couple of “tweaks” to the Arkansas head coach’s roster.
Per Bielema, senior wide receiver Eric Hawkins and sophomore defensive back Willie Sykes have decided to transfer out of the Razorbacks football program. The coach indicated that Hawkins’ decision was based on a desire for a better opportunity at playing time, while some type of family/personal issue appears to have triggered Sykes’ move.
“Eric Hawkins has done everything right in our program,” Bielema said according to WholeHogSports.com. “I just said, ‘Hey, you can go somewhere and be the guy.’ The schools he’s talking to, he could really go there and do something special. … And plus, run track. I think that’s factoring into it a little bit. ...
“I would expect [Sykes to transfer] someplace close to home [in Texas]. I think there’s some things he wants to be closer to home on. … It was a mutually agreed upon issue. Issues. Nothing bad. No failed things or anything that’s forcing the situation other than looking for the best fit.”
Hawkins would be eligible to play immediately at another FBS program, while Sykes would, in all likelihood, be forced to sit out the 2016 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules.
Playing in 22 games, Hawkins totaled three receptions for 32 yards in his career, all of which came during the 2013 season. He also returned 18 kicks for 386 yards over the last three years.
As a true freshman last season, Sykes played in 12 games. Most of that action came on special teams.