Former Pitt running back, Johnstown High School great Artrell Hawkins Sr. dies at 63

Artrell Hawkins Sr., who played running back at Pitt after a career as one of the all-time great players at Greater Johnstown High School, died Thursday of natural causes in Johnstown. He was 63.

Hawkins set rushing and scoring records at Johnstown from 1973-75, totaling 3,552 yards and 234 points. Those records stood for almost three decades until they were broken by LaRod Stephens-Howling, another Pitt running back, in the early 2000s.

After a season at Coffeyville (Kansas) Junior College, Hawkins joined Pitt coach Jackie Sherrill’s heralded 1977 recruiting class. Hawkins played on two of the great Pitt teams of all-time in 1979 and ‘80 with stars such as Hugh Green, Mark May, Russ Grimm and Rickey Jackson. In three seasons, he gained 768 yards rushing and receiving with five touchdowns.

Hawkins signed a free-agent contract to play wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he never appeared in a game. His sons, Artrell Jr., a 1998 second-round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals, and Andrew, played in the NFL for nine and six seasons, respectively. His grandson, Aeneas Hawkins, is a sophomore defensive tackle at Penn State.

Geroy Simon, a former Greater Johnstown player who set receiving records in the Canadian Football League, paid tribute to Hawkins on Facebook.

“The Legend Artrell Hawkins Sr. has gained his wings. You were a huge inspiration to me and all the young athletes growing up in Johnstown. I not only looked up to you as a great athlete but I had the honor of calling you family. I’m sending condolences to my entire Hawkins/Gunby/Allen family. Until we meet again. Love you Cousin Jimmy Rest In Peace.”

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Moskal-Reid Funeral Home in Johnstown.