Interview: 5-Star 2022 Ohio ATH CJ Hicks Talks Football and Upcoming Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

CJ Hicks is the true rarest of players capable of impacting games from just about anywhere on the field and in all three phases of the game. The 6-4, 210-pound, standout is a clock cleaner on defense ready to deliver a devastating blow, and can do it playing corner, safety, and/or linebacker using his elite speed. On offense, he is a bruising back who can also haul in passes, a role that will be expanded upon during his junior campaign. Perhaps equally as important is Hicks selflessness, which really shows on special teams. As a lead blocker on kick return, his guy is not going to touch his return specialist. In fact, his guy is ending the play with a headache and grass stains on his backside as he slowly walks back to the opposing sideline, and more than one opposing player on a return may feel his wrath.

Hicks sophomore season with Dayton’s Archbishop Alter was so rare and special, he was the only Class of 2022 player to make All-State. In addition to his All-State honors, he landed first team All-League and All-Southwest Ohio accolades. The notoriety on the gridiron has caught the attention of college coaches with 17 offers dropped, and interest among top programs still rising.

In an RNG stylized interview, Hicks and I sat down for another one-on-one talking football and his growing recruiting process.

*Click link for October 2019 RNG interview with CJ Hicks

Interview

CJ, how are your offseason workouts coming along?

“The workouts are really good. We practice on Tuesday and Thursday, and then after school I go to a trainer. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we lift after school.”

What have you been focusing on with your strength and speed?

“I am trying to get my speed down to 4.4; I’m at a 4.5-flat now. I am working on my strength; I want to get bigger. My goal is to get to 225 pounds, I am at 210 now. If I am 225 pounds running a 4.4 and at whatever they want to label me as, a linebacker or safety, that is hard to stop.”

Which areas of your skillset have you been fine-tuning?

“My hands. They want me to play receiver this season. I have been working on my hands and footwork.”

When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?

“I try to know what the other team is running before they are running it. I watched a lot of film to prepare for each game so I am ready and so I can help my teammates, call an audible if I have to. My tackling got better and my coverage has always been a strong suit.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, UNC (North Carolina), Florida, Florida State, LSU, Bama, and Texas A&M.”

How many offers are you up to now?

“I have 17 offers.”

Hicks’ Offer Sheet: Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Kansas State, Kent State, Liberty, Marshall, Miami, Miami-Ohio, N.C. State, Notre Dame, Ohio, Purdue, Toledo, Troy, and West Virginia

Which programs were the last two to offer you?

“Notre Dame, last week, and Liberty.”

Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

Do you have any visits planned for the upcoming months?

“Yes. I am going to Purdue on March 3, and I might go to Michigan’s Spring Game. I am also going to Miami over our spring break, I will visit Miami then.”

Nice. Watching all the activity on NSD, what were some of the things that caught your eye as a top recruit?

“I thought Oregon pulled a lot of top people. Seeing (5-stars) Justin Flowe and Noah Sewell, I look at linebacker, sign there caught my eye. The bond they all have, it is like a brotherhood; that’s what they call it on Instagram. They play with each other and talk trash to each other. They are building a relationship for the next four years. I watched Ohio State to see what happened after Coach (Jeff) Hafley left (CO-DC, DB); that stood out to me.”

*Jeff Hafley is the new head coach at Boston College

Camp season is kicking off. Are you going to compete at any national camps coming up?

“I will compete at the Under Armour All-American Camp on April 26 and I am going to an LSU camp. I have not decided on the others yet. I am still talking to my mom about that.”

CJ, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your planned camps and visits.

“Thank you.”

**Click link for CJ Hicks’ 2019 Hudl highlight reel

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Photo credit: Archbishop Alter/Hicks family; CJ Hicks 2019 season

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