Interview: 2017 ATH Elijah Hicks did a Little Bit of Everything Earning his 13 Scholarship Offers and Counting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

La Mirada swept through the second half of their regular season schedule right into the playoffs winning a CIF Championship tagging Campolindo 27-3 for the California trophy. The Matadores had a lot of talent on the roster but one of the standouts on both sides of the ball was Class of 2017 cornerback/wide receiver Elijah Hicks.

Hicks was strong on offense pulling down 25 passes for 323 yards with four scores but was an even bigger force on defense racking up 45 tackles, 21 solo, along with recovering two fumble and picking off two passes. He even made a difference defensively on special teams blocking a field goal and a punt getting a scoop and score.

College coaches on both coasts saw the talent Hicks possess with 13 total programs extending an offer to date. The schools wanting the skill set of the 6’0”, 185 pound, speedster includes UCLA, Oregon State, Cal, Arizona State, Colorado, Arizona, Eastern Washington, New Mexico, Colorado State, Nevada, Penn, Washington State, and South Carolina.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Hicks to get his thoughts on his junior campaign and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Elijah, you played wide receiver and cornerback really well during your junior season. Between the two, which one is your better position?

“At first I was better at wide receiver. This season I started focusing more on my defensive back skills. I want to get to the NFL, and I think I can play corner at a high level. I have long arms and good size for a corner.”

What are your strengths on the field as a cornerback?

“One thing is my footwork. I’m able to go with the fast guys and the tall guys. My footwork has me in position to make plays. I have the ability to go up for the ball – I have good hops. I think I show that on my film. A lot of schools like how physical I am at the line.”

What type of defense does La Mirada normally run?

“We primarily run a Cover 4. Depending on whoever we are playing, the coaches sometimes go 3 by 1. They usually man me up on the other team’s best guy. I like to do that. I like playing soft man.”

What are your strengths as a wide receiver?

“First of all, I’m a Steve Smith type of receiver. I’m feisty.”

I would agree with that. You certainly run with a great football attitude with the ball in your hands.

(Laughs) “I’ll run a slant or anything inside. I don’t care. That’s one of the main things – I will run you over. I will do whatever to get down the field.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“My main goal is to be able to carry my team to lead us to another state championship. I feel like we have the coaches and players to do it. I want to be the leader to help get us there.”

How will your role change this year compared to the 2015 season?

“This year I will be all over the place. You’ll see me everywhere. Wherever the best match up is, I’ll be there. Whatever I can do to help the team win. I’ll be on punt and kick return for sure. I’ll even be at safety this year too.”

I know it is early, but is there one team, even right now months away from the season that you are ready to suit up and play?

“I like to go against the big dogs, so does our coach. Coach (Mike) Moschetti schedules the bigger schools like Mater Dei, (St. John) Bosco, and San Clemente. We get those guys again this year. I’m looking forward to those games. No better way to play than go against those kind of guys.”

What are you doing in the offseason with your workouts?

“Right now I am focused on more explosion, speed, and getting bigger. Mainly – my trainer has a real good facility. We do everything. He has a great workout program. I work hard and stay true to it.”

What is your weight gain goal for the offseason?

“To me it does not matter. I just want to be in good shape, carry my own, and take my team to the promise land.”

Are you going to any exposure camps this offseason?

“I’m not sure. I have not been told to go to any. I love going to camps and going up against good guys. I don’t care who you are, I will go out there and compete against you.”

Are you going to any college camps?

“USC – they want me to come up for their camp. I’ll be there. I know they will have some highly rated guys there – some good competition.”

Are you taking any unofficial visits coming up?

“Actually my dad and I are supposed to talk about that. There are a lot of schools that have asked me to come visit. Finically it will be too hard to go to the furthest schools. I’ll try to make it to Oregon State and South Carolina. I’ll make a trip out there to South Carolina – I really want to make it out there. Schools like UCLA, I have not been up there yet but I will. ASU (Arizona State), I’ll try to drive up there sometime soon. I really have not got it down with my dad yet where all I may go.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits already?

“I went to USC’s Junior Day.”

How did that visit go?

“It was a great visit. I enjoyed being around the coaching staff. It was a cool environment there. I got to talk to a lot of high rated athletes that I know and got to eat some good food.”

Of the 13 schools that have offered you, which programs are showing the most interest?

“My first – Colorado. South Carolina has been on me hard. I talk to UCLA a lot. Oregon has not offered me yet but I talk to their defensive backs coach a lot. I really have a good relationship with all of them. I’ve been talking to Boise State’s defensive backs coach too.”

You mentioned Boise State and Oregon as schools showing interest but have not offered. Are there any other schools showing a lot of interest but have not offered yet?

“USC, San Jose State, and Texas A&M. Texas A&M wants me to come out there. I was invited to one of their game days. They are supposed to come to one of our spring practices.”

What type of feedback have you received from these colleges?

“One, they see my versatility, my ball skills, the way I make plays on the ball, and my footwork. Those are the main things I am hearing from these coaches.”

Which position are they recruiting you to play?

“Most are saying defensive back. Some are athlete because I can play anywhere. I can play receiver and slot.”

Do you want to play wide receiver at the next level?

“Yeah, I’d love to do that.”

Do you have a timeline for when you would like to make a decision and verbally commit to a school?

“No. Really I feel like I’ll find the best school for me and weigh all my options. Then I’ll make that decision. I’m not sure if it will be before National Signing Day or on National Signing Day.”

What are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?

“One thing, my family and I are real big on academics. My brother, he attends an Ivy League school (Penn) and plays basketball there. My family is real big on that. Number Two, I’d like to play early.”

Are you playing any other sports for La Mirada?

“Right now I practice with the track team but I do not run in the events. That might change if they need me. I’m on the track to workout.”

You mentioned academics was important to you and your family. What is your GPA right now?

“I have a 4.0.”

Do you know what you want to major in while in college?

“No, but I’d like to be a knee surgeon. I guess pre-med.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, but I’ve been studying for them and will take them in May or June.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“I’m doing well in math. I’m taking Algebra 2 and doing really well. I have a really good math teacher.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part is the physicality of the game and being able to compete, especially against other good players. Overcoming adversity when it hits.”

Elijah, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: insidesocal.com; No. 2 Elijah Hicks makes a leaping interception.

Photo credit:  presstelegram.com; No. 2 Elijah Hicks gets the loose ball.