C.J. Hicks is looking to break through to the top of Ohio State’s depth chart in 2024.
The Dayton, Ohio, native and former five-star linebacker is heading into his third season with the Buckeyes, and will battle for starting snaps at the WILL position along with Sonny Styles.
Here’s what to know about Hicks heading into the 2024 season:
C.J. Hicks is a former five-star linebacker
Sep 16, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) gets ready to take the field before their game against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Ohio Stadium.
Hicks is one of the highest-ranked linebackers to sign with Ohio State in recent memory.
In the 2022 recruiting class, Hicks, a five-star, was the No. 7 player overall and the No. 1 linebacker in the country per 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Before Hicks, the only other No. 1-ranked linebacker the Buckeyes had landed in the modern recruiting era was Baron Browning in 2017.
C.J. Hicks is from Dayton, Ohio
Nov 12, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Lathan Ransom (12) celebrates a tackle by linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 56-14. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Hicks did not have to go far when he committed and eventually sign with Ohio State.
Hicks played linebacker for Archbishop Alter High School in Dayton. He was Ohio’s 2021 Division III Defensive Player of the Year, recording 84 tackles 18 tackles-for-loss and two interceptions.
Hicks is one of six top-ranked in-state recruiting wins Ohio State signed between 2019-2024 along with cornerback Aaron Scott (Springfield), cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (Cincinnati), defensive end Jack Sawyer (Pickerington), offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (Cincinnati) and defensive end Zach Harrison (Lewis Center). Ohio State also has a commitment from 2025 five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair.
C.J. Hicks has not played much for Ohio State
Nov 11, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) and Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) celebrate a tackle during the NCAA football game against Michigan State University at Ohio Stadium.
In his first two seasons at Ohio State, Hicks has not seen much playing time.
Hicks has 14 career tackles and one tackle-for-loss. In two seasons, he has three multi-tackle games, two of which came in 2023: two against Michigan State and two against Minnesota. In 2023, per Pro Football Focus, Hicks played in 71 snaps, including a career-high 18 snaps against Michigan State.
Hicks could be in line for starting reps at linebacker, fighting with players such as Styles and Kourt Williams II for snaps at the WILL.
Ohio State football schedule 2024
Aug. 31: Ohio State vs. Akron; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 7: Ohio State vs. Western Michigan; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 21: Ohio State vs. Marshall; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 28: Ohio State at Michigan State; Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan
Oct. 5: Ohio State vs. Iowa; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 12: Ohio State at Oregon; Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
Oct. 26: Ohio State vs. Nebraska; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 2: Ohio State at Penn State; Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
Nov. 9: Ohio State vs. Purdue; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 16: Ohio State at Northwestern; Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
Nov. 23: Ohio State vs. Indiana; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 30: Ohio State vs. Michigan; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State LB C.J. Hicks: What to know before 2024 season
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Publish date : 2024-07-14 05:12:13
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