Ohio State football defensive end C.J. Hicks discusses what has kept him in Columbus
Since then, though, he has flashed his athleticism, but has yet to develop into what everyone thought he would be at linebacker. Some of that might have to do with the scheme the Buckeyes ran under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles -- employing more safeties and only two linebackers at times, but either way, it just hasn't worked out at linebacker.
Because of that, Hicks has moved to defensive end to utilize his athleticism and quickness off the edge coming into this year, so we'll see how it all pans out and if he can bust into the depth chart as he learns a brand-new position. Opportunity knocks, but heading into his fourth and maybe final year in Columbus, things have had to be frustrating for Hicks.
While appearing on the Bobby Carpenter Show, Hicks was asked what has kept him at Ohio State, and he responded with a familiar response, one that seems to separate the Buckeyes from other programs.
"It is the brotherhood. Everybody says that, but there's a group of guys in that locker room that I feel like you don't find everywhere else," Hicks said. "On top of that, the coaches that we have in the coaching room, in the staff, there's not a lot of coaches like that across the country. They care, but at the same point in time, they want you to be the best you can be. They want you to grow 1% better each day instead of just letting you go by just because of who you are and what your name is."
You can watch the short exchange below to get a feel for how much respect Hicks has for the program.
Here's to rooting for something to finally click for Hicks, and he becomes a menace off the edge in his very last season on the banks of the Olentangy. We know he has the tools; it's hopefully just a matter of figuring out a way he can utilize them the best to have a final-year breakout.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
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