South Dade running back Jawon Hamilton wins Player of Year award
By Andre C. Fernandez Decemeber 18, 2015
South Dade senior Jawon Hamilton had one of the top seasons of any running back in Miami-Dade County.
On Friday morning, Hamilton was recognized for his efforts when he received the South Florida Player of the Year award from the Warren Henry Auto Group and Tournament of Champions Inc.
“This is a great award, and I’m just really grateful to [South Dade] coach [Nate] Hudson and my offensive line for helping me reach this point,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton (5-10, 190 pounds), who committed to the University of Miami in late November, ran for 1,259 yards and 16 touchdowns on 131 carries (a 9.6-yards-per-carry average) to lead the Bucs to the Class 8A regional final.
Hamilton was among five finalists for the award.
That list also had Miami Central defensive end Keir Thomas (85 tackles, 20 sacks); Miami Carol City running back Nayquan Wright (983 yards and 11 TDs on 122 carries); Miami Norland linebacker Emmett Rice; and Coral Gables linebacker Gee Stanley (104 tackles, five sacks).
Hamilton is the third recipient of the award following Miami Central running back Dalvin Cook (2013) and North Miami quarterback Hilton Joseph (2014).
The award is a prelude to the Miami-Dade Co