But flying back to Columbus for graduation
A.J. Hawk plans to stay in Green Bay for a long time, his entire career in fact. But first thing's first: College graduation.
"I'll definitely be on the phone with some guys and the coaches to make sure I know what I missed," Hawk said about missing the team's second mini-camp in two weeks and the first six days of organized team activities in order to attend school at Ohio State and finish his last exam June 9. "I need to get a good base and a good feel for the defense."
As advertised, the fifth pick in April's draft has had a flair about him on the practice field, flying around on a first-team defense that ranked seventh in the NFL a year ago.
"I want to get a good feel for the defense and make sure I feel comfortable so I can run around and just play and not be thinking out there," Hawk said of his first experiences as a Packer. "All the rookies have to get in their playbook and make sure we know what's going on."
Clearly committed to his studies in the classroom, Hawk also has showed a very strong work ethic, partaking in a post-practice weight-lifting session, followed by a linebacker film session during his first day on the job.
"I enjoy working out after practice," he said. "A couple of linebackers wanted to watch the practice film and we needed to. I definitely needed to watch my mistakes."
Hoping to learn from those mistakes this weekend, while watching and learning the defensive scheme from Columbus, Ohio, over the next month, Hawk is living with the anticipation of the day when he can return to Green Bay for the long term.
"When I get done with my last final June 9, I'll drive up here and be living up here for good."
