Blogging Dirty
FanSided

A closer look at Atlanta’s 2022 undrafted free agents

By Thomas Ashworth

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 20: Linebacker Nate Landman #53 of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrates with fans after receiving the Buffalo Heart award from fans after a 20-17 win over the Washington Huskies at Folsom Field on November 20, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 20: Linebacker Nate Landman #53 of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrates with fans after receiving the Buffalo Heart award from fans after a 20-17 win over the Washington Huskies at Folsom Field on November 20, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Iowa seniors, from left, Ryan Gersonde, Matt Hankins and Ivory Kelly-Martin greet Xavior Williams before a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.211120 Illinois Iowa Fb 009 Jpg
Iowa seniors, from left, Ryan Gersonde, Matt Hankins and Ivory Kelly-Martin greet Xavior Williams before a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.211120 Illinois Iowa Fb 009 Jpg /

CB Matt Hankins, Iowa

A second-team All-Big Ten selection, Matt Hankins was one of the key leaders of the Iowa defense that amassed a record-breaking 25 interceptions in 2022. Playing five years at the University of Iowa, Hankins played in 49 games and started 37 with the Hawkeyes, earning a full-time starting role by just his second year.

In his 10 games played in 2022, Hankins amassed 44 total tackles (32 solo), one tackle for loss, eight passes defended, and three interceptions. Hankins’ career was unfortunately cut short after a  shoulder injury sidelined him for the last six games of his final season.

During his five years in a Hawkeyes uniform, Hankins racked up 212 total tackles (136 solo), two and a half tackles for loss, 27 passes defended, and six interceptions.

Michigan players, including defensive back Brad Hawkins (2), walk off the field after the Wolverines lost, 34-11, to Georgia at the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.
Michigan players, including defensive back Brad Hawkins (2), walk off the field after the Wolverines lost, 34-11, to Georgia at the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. /

S Brad Hawkins, Michigan

Atlanta brought in another Big Ten defensive back in former Michigan Wolverine Brad Hawkins. With the Wolverines, Hawkins appeared in a program-record 56 games and was named to the 2021 All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten teams.

Hawkins was one of the key defensive pieces that took Michigan to the College Football Playoff, where they fell to eventual CFP National Champion Georgia in a 34-11 loss on New Years’ Eve.

In his final season at Michigan, Hawkins compiled 60 tackles, four pass breakups, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery, which was a game-sealing recovery over Nebraska.

DL Timothy Horne, Kansas State

Atlanta brought in a Big 12 defensive lineman, bringing in Timothy Horne from Kansas State. The 6’3″, 321-pound tackle played in 55 career college football games, making 30 starts in his career.

After playing four years with the Charlotte 49ers, Horne played his final season with the Kansas State Wildcats. In his final season of college football at Kansas State, Horne racked up18 tackles (16 solo), three tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Horne didn’t play in Kansas State’s Texas Bowl matchup with LSU, electing to be with his wife and family after the birth of his son.

During his four seasons at Charlotte, Horne amassed 101 tackles (44 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two passes defended, and two fumble recoveries. Horne also led Charlotte to their first bowl game in school history, starting at defensive tackle in their Bahamas Bowl matchup against Buffalo in 2019.