Interview: 5-Star 2022 SS/RB CJ Hicks is the Guy Everyone in Ohio Wants to Avoid

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There is nothing more intimidating for a running back or a receiver than knowing that there is a punishing safety waiting if you break a run or have the ball slung your direction downfield. In Ohio, Class of 2022 strong safety CJ Hicks is putting the hurt on anyone and everyone that gets in his way. That punishing style of play has brought 15 total offers his way so far with a lot more sure to come.

Given his classification, the amount of offers Hicks has may be shocking, but putting it with his play on the field, one could wonder why he does not have more. At 6-4, 210-pounds, Hicks is big, fast (4.48), and brings it at the point of contact. After starting the 2018 season at receiver, he moved over to defense tallying 37 stops with 11 pass breakups and picked off a pass. He also got some touches on offense carrying the rock 16 times for 96 yards with a score. As his sophomore campaign hits the regular season midway point, he is all over the field for Archbishop Alter playing a safety/rover role that has him going over the top, coming down the alley, and even lining up in the box blitzing.

The man who can seemingly do it all has helped his Knights squad to a 4-1 start after a 13-2 season a year ago. With Greater Catholic league action picking up, I sat down for a one-on-one with the five-star recruit learning more about the intimidating factor on Alter’s defense.

Interview

CJ, given all that you do on the field for the Knights, how did you prepare over the summer for the 2019 season?

“I prepared by staying in the weight room. That’s all really. We went to state last year, it was fun. We wanted to go back. We had 33 seniors last year, a lot of people said they were the heart and soul of the team. We want to show what we can do this year.”

On defense, you show your range and versatility as an over the top safety and an in-the-box defender who will blitz. What are your responsibilities on that side of the ball?

“It depends on the team we are playing. If they pass a lot and I have a star receiver, I will go man up against him. I will follow him around all game. The last guy I was guarding one-on-one had two catches for negative four yards. The coaches have me as a safety/rove. My defensive coordinator tells me when to hit, cover, or jam on the line.”

How has your game come along on defense this season?

“My footwork and keeping my eyes on the hips have improved. Last year, I was a receiver and then in the middle of the season they moved me to defensive back. I was getting beat on double moves last season looking at the quarterback. I was moving my feet better later on in the season. Over the offseason, I worked on footspeed, eyes on the hips, and my hand-eye coordination.”

I see you as one of those throwback safeties who is hard hitting and goes sideline to sideline. How do you describe your game on defense?

“Just that really. People say this a lot, that I like hitting people. I do like hitting people and I do not like being hit. I will do whatever it takes to take the guy down so we can walk off with the “W”.”

You are also getting some snaps on offense, how is that coming along?

“Whenever we need to get the team going, like in a close game, I will come in. Most of the time I am blocking for our 3-star back who had 1,600 yards last season. When I am in, they give it to him because most of the time they are keying on me.”

Where are you showing improvements on that side of the ball even in a more limited role?

“Hitting the holes harder. Last year I would just use my speed to make plays; I did not play in eighth grade. When I used my speed, it worked sometimes and sometimes I would bounce it out and it did not work. I went into the weight room this offseason and I got bigger. I am blocking and playing the spot how it needs to be played. Now, I use my speed when I need to.”

How are colleges responding to your play on the field? What kind of feedback are you receiving?

“They tell me they love it and to keep playing the way I am playing.”

Have any of the coaches talked about moving you to linebacker?

“They want to see my size and how big I may be during my senior year. That will determine where I play in college.”

With talk about college, which schools are showing interest?

“Wisconsin, Ohio State, FSU and Florida has followed me on Twitter, Pitt, Penn State, Michigan State, and one of the recruiting guys from Notre Dame followed me on Twitter. I’m not sure if that counts as interest or not.”

Yes. I would, but that is just me. How many offers are you holding?

“I have 15 offers.”

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

Have you made it out for any visits yet?

“Yes. I went to some games. I went to the Ohio State/UC (Cincinnati) game, the Purdue/TCU game, and the Vanderbilt/LSU game.”

Nice. Do you have any planned trips coming up?

“I might go back to Ohio State soon. My trainer and I might go to an LSU game.”

Back to football. The team rebounded from a tough loss against St. Francis DeSales for a big 37-0 win over Ponitz Career (Dayton). How is the team looking going into the game against Badin (Hamilton) on Friday?

“They are always a big game. When we played them in the playoffs last season, we won 13-0. They were cocky during the game, and we beat them in the regular season (17-7). After the playoff game, their QB did not shake our head coach’s (Ed Domsitz) hand. That was disrespectful. We look to shut them up on defense on Friday and do what we can to score. We will have some new stuff for this game.”

I’ve asked a lot of questions about you and your game on the field, but what kind of guy is CJ off the field? What do you like to do for fun?

“I play 2K and Madden a lot with my friends, and Mortal Combat. I joke around a lot. I am a funny type of guy. I am the team hype man. I get the guys up for the games, but we are focused too.”

What are you favorite subjects in school?

“History for sure. I love history, English, and math; I like all my classes to be honest.”

CJ, it was great spending time with you today going over all that you do on the field. Wishing you and the team good luck against Badin on Friday.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Hicks family; CJ Hicks at Purdue and Vanderbilt