Virginia Tech running back Marcellous Hawkins brought a little personality and a lot of perspective to the ACC Kickoff on Thursday, July 16, at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown.
Entering his second season with the Hokies, Hawkins talked about the path that got him here, the faith that has carried him through injury and adversity, and the energy surrounding Virginia Tech’s new coach. He also had a lighthearted moment when asked about his cooking skills.
Hawkins, who led Virginia Tech with 749 rushing yards in the 2025 season, said his time at Central Missouri helped shape the player he is now.
"I think Central Missouri, I was focused every day on getting better, knowing one day my time will come. I feel like God gives all His soldiers different battles so they're ready whenever their time comes, when it's their time to perform.
I had a great time at Central Missouri. I'm super excited for the future at Virginia Tech."
Asked how he leans on faith while dealing with things beyond his control, Hawkins kept it simple.
"Yeah, the things that's out of my control, I just leave that up to the Lord, just control what I can control, just working hard every day, trying to give my best effort to every day, not really looking too far ahead, just staying in the present."
Then came the food question, and Hawkins didn’t overthink it.
"When it comes to fixing a meal, I think I cook the best ramen noodles. I'm real good at putting things into the microwave. That's really all I got (laughter)."
He also spoke about what it means to play for Virginia Tech’s new coach, praising the energy he has brought since arriving.
"It's exciting, man. Just him coming in with the excitement he has every day, just getting us to just stay excited about what we have ahead.
He did a lot of great things in the past. I'm ready to get things rolling with him for the new Virginia Tech."
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