Chris Hawkins to face brother when USC plays Idaho on Saturday

It was a challenge this week for USC safety Chris Hawkins to find enough tickets for all of his family members to attend Saturday’s game against Idaho.

But there was at least one person he didn’t have to account for -- his half-brother, Armond Hawkins Jr., who is a safety for the Vandals.

Saturday’s game will be the first time Chris Hawkins and Armond Hawkins play against each other.

“It’s an amazing feeling when two guys out of the same household make it to Division I football,” Chris said after practice Wednesday. “[It’s something] that I’m going to treasure for the rest of my life.”

Armond, the older brother by four months, tweeted: “Let’s get it! Brotherly love first time I’ll play against this kid!”

Chris said text messages have been exchanged, with some trash talk, but that his focus remains on the game.

Chris, a third-year sophomore, made his first start at safety last week in a 55-6 victory over Arkansas State. He intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.

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