I don’t say it often, but I can say with confidence that Jordan Hicks has a bright future regardless of what happens during his professional football career.   

Hicks was a big name recruit coming out of high school that was plagued by injuries throughout his career, including hip surgery and multiple operations on his knee and leg.  However, Hicks overcame those huge obstacles in a big way his senior season putting together a full season in which he led the team in tackles with 93 and added 9.5 tackles for a loss. 

Hicks explained to me in our one-on-one sit down that the biggest challenge for him during his time at Texas wasn’t the relentless physical rehabilitation, but more so the mental challenges he was forced to overcome after requiring surgery time and time again.

Hicks said the experience was actually a blessing in disguise as it made him aware of what was truly important in life and more so how grateful he is for every opportunity (and challenge) in which life presents him.  

An extremely bright, energetic, and happy-go-lucky man, Hicks said he’s proud of himself and the way he finished his collegiate career at Texas playing in every game, and ending up as one of the leaders on the defensive side of the ball.  He hopes putting together a full season on tape will help scouts come to the conclusion that he is fully healed and healthy, and more so prepared to make the transition to the NFL.  

Enjoying the present moment as they come, Hicks has enjoyed the process of the Senior Bowl week albeit’s hectic pace and nonstop schedule, and knows being invited to the event is a one in a life time opportunity.  

Hicks is an athletic linebacker who still shows the burst to get sideline-to-sideline and possesses the fundamental skills to wrap up the ball carrier.  When asked the best way to maximize his skills Hicks stated the “Will Linebacker” in a 4-3 defense best suits his traits, but wouldn’t limit himself to any one scheme or philosophy saying he would be more than comfortable in a 3-4 defense as well.  

Kent State’s tight end Casey Pierce was mentioned when asked who his toughest opponent has been thus far during practice highlighting his hands and route running, and when asked what he will spend his first NFL paycheck on Hicks confidently stated “my mother”.  

After getting to know Hicks from a vantage point off the football field, I’m more than confident Hicks will find success in whatever he so chooses in life, football or not.