CJ Hicks did not play a defensive snap as a rookie at Ohio State. Hicks played only 75 of them as a sophomore last year.
And yet, the former five-star linebacker and top-15 prospect is determined to record the most sacks for the Buckeyes this season.
Why?
Because he has regained his self-confidence.
“I think if you need a play, if it’s 3rd-and-long and you need someone to get to the quarterback, I’m the guy no matter who the D-ends are,” Hicks said. “I love our D-linemen, but I think I’m the best at attacking the quarterback.”
“I’m not stopping,” he added later.
The last Ohio State linebacker to finish a season atop the team’s sacks list was AJ Hawk in 2005, when he shared the honor with defensive lineman Mike Kudla.
Although Hicks failed to record a single sack in a promising, slow-to-start career with the Buckeyes, he broke out in the offseason, particularly as a pass rusher.
And that’s not just talk. That was especially evident at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Student Appreciation Day in the spring. At a late March practice – which was open to students, players’ families and the media – Hicks wreaked havoc in the backfield.
And that wasn’t a one-time feat for the Dayton, Ohio native, who racked up 18 tackles for loss in his senior year at Archbishop Alter.
“I think he’s probably the best blitzer on our team,” James Laurinaitis, Ohio State’s new linebackers coach, said Wednesday. “CJ just makes things happen when you send him.”
Laurinaitis noted that Hicks had a natural ability to “reduce the surface area” when flashing.
Hicks is competing for the starting spot as WILL linebacker with his third-year defensive colleague – but first-year linebacker – Sonny Styleswho was relegated from safety position to the second division in the off-season.
Styles played 12 snaps in the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia two seasons ago and started several games last season, both as a nickel and strong safety. He has the experience advantage over Hicks and has made the most first-team appearances in media-accessible training camps.
But the Buckeyes don’t have a starter at the moment and that doesn’t seem to really matter because they want to play both Styles and Hicks.
Each of them has unique qualities, Laurinaitis said. Hicks shines most as a pass rusher, a disruptor.
“I just have a knack for getting to the quarterback,” Hicks said. “If somebody steps in front of me, I’m going to do my best to get to the quarterback and nobody’s going to stop me.”
When asked if he’s in the running to lead the Buckeyes in sacks this season, Hicks smiled.
“Absolutely,” he said. “That’s my thing.”
