COCOA, Fla. - The Cocoa football team are one of the best programs in the state. It's because they produce talented players like senior Cedrick Hawkins and he knows where he wants to play after high school.

"I committed to Ohio State University. I choose Ohio State because I fit the scheme well and I love the area, I love the coaches and when I went up there the 1st three times, it felt like home and I felt like I was making the right decision," said Hawkins.

He made the decision on January 1st while watching the Rose Bowl game which featured Ohio State, playing against Utah. The Buckeyes would come back and win the game 48-45.

"It really influenced my decision a lot because you see a team come down from that much and win a bowl game, it’s unique," said Hawkins.

Cedrick has been playing football since he was 5 years-old, playing for the Titusville Terriers. 

"I love everything about football, I love hitting, I love the competition, I love being with my guys everyday of the field working hard," said Hawkins. 

Last season ended with Cocoa losing the state final game to Cardinal Gibbons, so the team is using that loss as motivation.

"We have to play with a chip on your shoulder because it really affected us a lot," said Hawkins. "Expectations for this team are really high, we want to win state championship at the end of the day but we want to be great as men."

The team has been working hard in the weight room this summer, getting ready for the 2022 season.

"The summer is really important because we created bonds everyday when we are lifting or when we are running, the summer really builds our season," said Hawkins. "When you are pushing your brother to add 5 or to add ten, it’s just like oh my brother has my back and I know he wants me to push harder, so I’m going to push harder for him." 

The Cocoa Tigers begin their quest for another state championship run on August 26th against Jones high school.