C.J. Hicks signed his letter of intent to play at Ohio State, and the Buckeyes keep the in-state prospect at home.
In his senior year, Hicks had 125 tackles, 23 for a loss, a forced fumble, and two interceptions.
Hicks, a 6’3″, 215-pound linebacker, played his high school ball at Archbishop Alter in Dayton, Ohio. He had offers from 31 schools, including Alabama, Clemson, Cincinnati, and Michigan. Ultimately, he decided to stay close to home.
Ohio State Lands C.J. Hicks
Hicks is a five-star prospect according to 247Sports Composite. He is the best high school player out of Ohio, the best linebacker in the nation, and the seventh-best prospect overall.
Ryan Day has continued his tradition of keeping the best in-state prospects at home. Zach Harrison, Paris Johnson, and Jack Sawyer are all top Ohio recruits that have joined the Buckeyes’ ranks under Day’s regime.
Hicks’ athletic ability is off the charts, and he used it to run an 11.76-second 100-meter dash in the Spring. That speed translates well to the football field.
Not only did he dabble at running back and receiver, but he even returned punts in high school. This means he has excellent ball skills, which paired with his athleticism, makes him great in coverage.
Not only can Hicks cover receivers, but he is an explosive runner and a devastating blitzer. He has a long frame that he can use to get off the edge, or he can blitz through the gaps.
Hicks has the size, strength, and speed to do anything Day will ask him to do. He has a versatile enough skill set to play every down.
Ohio State is hurting at linebacker, so Hicks might be the shot in the arm that they need. After losing three to the transfer portal in 2021, Hicks will join Reid Carrico in the youth movement in Al Washington’s linebackers room.
