Hawthorne attended East St. Louis High School, Class of 2009 where he played receiver, defensive back, punter and punt returner, and has been a starter since his sophomore year. On offense, he scored 28 touchdowns and recorded 1,009 receiving yards as a senior, while defensively, he recorded 118 tackles and eight interceptions, three returned for touchdowns. Regarded as four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Hawthorne was listed as the No. 6 wide receiver prospect of the class of 2009.[1] Hawthorne is now the cornerbacks coach for Southern Illinois University.[2]
Hawthorne was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 17th pick in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft.[3] Hawthorne was released by the Steelers on August 31, 2013.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Hawthorne signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on June 1, 2014.[4] On June 4, 2014, it was reported that he had left the Blue Bombers to return to school.[5]