Hawkins, Sykes transferring

HOOVER, Ala. — Senior receiver Eric Hawkins and sophomore defensive back Willie Sykes are transferring from Arkansas, Bret Bielema announced Wednesday at SEC Media Days.

Hawkins recorded all three of his career catches as a redshirt freshman. He returned kicks at various times in each of his three seasons playing for the Razorbacks. He has already earned his degree, which will give him immediate eligibility at his next stop.

“Eric Hawkins has done everything right in our program,” Bielema said. “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.”

SMU is reportedly a likely landing point for Hawkins, a Longview, Texas, native.

Hawkins tweeted a note Thursday morning thanking, among others, his Razorback teammates and coaches.

"I'm not certain what life will have for me in the future but I know it will be amazing," part of Hawkins' note read. "I know that I'll always cherish the memories and moments that I'll forever embrace as life goes on. Much love to my bros, the road to Atlanta is waiting!! #WooPigForever"

Sykes is reportedly transferring to Independence Community College in Kansas. He appeared in 12 games last season as a true freshman and was primarily utilized on special teams. The Houston native made nine tackles.

The report goes against Bielema's suggestion Wednesday that Sykes would likely transfer closer to home.

“I would expect (a transfer) someplace close to home,” Bielema said. “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.”