There was an interesting report in the Sunderland Echo, Speakman emphasising that Hawkes had been training with the first team on a number of occasions and that he would start next season in the first team squad with a clean slate, implying it was up to Hawkes how far he wanted to go. LJ then mentioned about having the technical ability but maybe not the physical ability to play 90 mins for the first team.
Found it
Kristjaan Speakman delivers verdict on youngster's superb Sunderland U23 form and what happens next | Sunderland Echo
Maybe the lad is just a late developer but at 22 I would have expected him to be there or there about physically, having said that I accept that there is a difference between being fit and being match fit.
It is refreshing to see comments about players having to look after themselves in relation to food. preparation, sports science etc. which appears a lot more professional approach that previous regimes, it also puts the onus on the player to be professional, let's see who reacts best to that approach.