Northeastern State University Athletics

Hawthorne is a native of Arlington, Texas, and was an all-district defensive lineman for Arlington Martin High School. He was the first d-lineman signed by the University of North Texas as part of their 2008 recruiting class.
 

Hawthorne transferred to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff following a two and a half year stint at UNT. During his time at UAPB, he helped lead the Golden Lions to the 2012 SWAC Football Championship and the 2012 Black College Football National Championship.

Following his playing career, he served for one year as a graduate assistant for the Golden Lions. He helped coach the defensive line and linebackers. He also coached the offensive line for the South Team in the Division I FCS Senior Bowl.

Hawthorne received a Bachelor of Science degree from UAPB in 2013, and he is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in kinesiology from Northeastern State.