Oklahoma’s Jovantae Barnes is thrilled with his new starting quarterback

Jovantae Barnes spoke to the media after the game about Michael Hawkins first SEC win and the confidence he has in his new starting quarterback.

Mike Hawkins gets his first career start in this game. It seemed like he was really poised back there to the ups and downs. What did you see from him?

Jovantae: I saw confidence and I saw a leader. I saw somebody out there who’s not scared of anyone. I’m just so proud of how far he came. Since the day he stepped on campus, he’s been a leader and he’s worked his tail off. I’m just happy that he was able to get his first SEC win on the road. Being a freshman and getting your first win on the road in the SEC, it says a lot about him.

Did it surprise you guys at all that when you were down 21-10, he didn’t flinch?

Jovantae: That’s him, that’s Mike Hawkins. That’s who he is, he’s a playmaker.

Coach V said he saw Sooner magic in this game. What did it feel like for you guys?

Jovantae: It just felt great to run on the field and get the win. We have a long season ahead of us and it’s hard to get the wins. So just being able to go out there, have fun with your boys and get the win, it’s a fantastic feeling.