Tag: David Hicks Jr.

The rest of the 2023 class, including 5-star DT David Hicks Jr. have made it College Station

As of Monday, several high-profile members of the 2023 recruiting class have made it to College Station.

We are nearly three months away from the start of the 2023 season, and to add a little more excitement to what we in the sports writing world call the “summer lull,” the rest of Texas A&M’s roster, including several key members of the 2023 recruiting class has made it to campus as of Monday, May 29.

Headlining this group is five-star defensive tackle David Hicks Jr., who recently competed in the UIL Track & Field Championship, earning a bronze medal in the discus event with a recorded throw of 182′-6″. As an incoming member of one of the most talented and deepest defensive line units in the country, Hicks, who is reportedly up to 280 pounds, provides versatility also to see time at the defensive end spot and will undoubtedly compete for snaps as soon as fall camp arrives.

The rest of the list in the 2023 cycle includes the following players:

  • Four-star Quarterback Marcel Reed (2,198 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 944 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns in 2022)
  • Four-star defensive end Rylan Kennedy (61 tackles, 10 TFL, five sacks in 2022)
  • Four-star cornerback Bravion Rogers (24 tackles, 2 INT, 1 PBU in 2022)
  • Four-star Athlete Dalton Brooks (120 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 INT, 1 FB in 2022)
  • Three-star OT Naquil Betrand
  • Three-star Linebacker Chantz Johnson (70 tackles, 10 TFL, two sacks)
  • Three-star defensive tackle Samu Taumanupepe (60 tackles, 6 TFL)
  • Three-star Punter Tyler White (42.3 yards per punt with a long of 62 yards, 79-81 on PATs, 10-12 FG as a kicker in 2022)

Outside of the arriving 2023 class members, several transfer portal additions, including former Boston College cornerback Josh DeBerry (50 tackles in 2022) and offensive lineman Finn Dirstine, former Jackson State linebacker Jurriente Davis (39 tackles in 2022), former Rice fullback Jerry Johnson, former Fresno State quarterback Jaylen Henderson, and former Colorado State running back David Bailey (20 carries for 61 yards in 2022) have also made their way to campus.

Last but not least, one of the more intriguing transfer portal addition is former Grand Valley State wide receiver Jahdae Walker, who, at 6-4 provides immediate depth to what is already a lethal starting WR unit, yet depth has been an issue, providing Walker a chance to work his way into the rotation this Fall.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

Aggie signee make’s podium at UIL State Track and Field Championships

5-star Aggie signee, David Hicks Jr, takes home the bronze medal in Discus at State Championships

David Hicks Jr spoke earlier this year about making it to state in his field events and even threw one of the nation’s most extended discus distances. However, after accomplishing his goal of making it to the UIL State Track and Field Champions, his focus shifted to medaling while there.

The Paetow High School Male Athlete of the Year showed great at the track meet. Even though he fell a few feet short of taking the gold, he still finished in third in the 6A division with a throw of 182′-6″. Below Hicks talks about his thoughts on making it to the state championship and what he expects heading to Bryan/ College Station soon.

A member of the 2023 recruiting cycle, Hicks was ranked as the 11th player in the country, the No.1-ranked defensive lineman, and the 2nd-ranked player in Texas, according to 247Sports.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk7

Aggie Signee logs the longest discus throw in the nation

Five-star signee Davis Hicks sends the discus into orbit winning the district title with the longest throw in the nation this year.

We all know how much Jimbo loves to recruit and sign multi-sport athletes, and David Hicks Jr is no exception. Not only is the five-star recruit one of the top football prospects in the 2023 class, he also now holds the record for the longest distance in the nation at 202 feet, 2 inches.

Thats easily won him first place in the District 19-6A meet in the discus throw, but he also took home the gold in the shot put with a throw of 59 feet, 10 inches.

Hicks told 247 sports earlier this year he was look to breaking records and had good chance to make it to state.

“”I’m trying to break the shot put and discus records. I have a chance to go to state,” Hicks said of his goals this outdoor season.”

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=7]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]

Recruiting update: Multiple future recruits will attend Ole Miss game this weekend

Eight 2023, 2024, and 2024 recruits will attend the Aggies’ primetime matchup with the 15th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday

The Aggies are gearing up for their primetime matchup with the 15th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday night in what should be a packed Kyle Field as the team hasn’t played in front of the 12th man in 42 days, one of their longest stretches in the program’s history.

Since the start of one of the busiest news weeks for the Aggies season, ranging from player suspensions to season-ending injuries, one of the stories that fell under the radar came to light later in the week, as eight 2023, 2024, and 2024 recruits will visit College Station this weekend, and attend the Ole Miss game set to kick off at 6:30 PM CT. on the SEC Network.

The eight players who will be attending the game are listed as current Texas A&M commit, 2023 defensive tackle David Hicks Jr., 2023 Texas commit Malk Muhammad, 2023 Edge Tomarrian Parker, 2023 Michigan State commit, running back Kedrick Reescano, 2024 quarterback DJ Lagway, 2024 defensive tackle T.A. Cunningham, 2024 linebacker Payton Pierce, and 2025 quarterback Bekkem Kritza.

Yes, Texas A&M is 3-4 and 1-3 in the SEC, but this is one of the most important weekends not only for a team looking to win their first game in nearly a month, but for a staff that needs to impress the eight highly touted recruits in attendance enough for them to really consider the Aggies late in the recruiting process. Gig ’em, and BTHO Ole Miss.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[listicle id=6621]

[listicle id=6592]

Social media reactions to 5-Star DL David Hicks’ commitment to Texas A&M

Social media reacts to 5-Star DL David Hicks’ commitment to Texas A&M

Texas A&M struck recruiting gold once again on Wednesday afternoon, as 2023 5-Star defensive line prospect David Hicks, ranked as the 9th player in the 2023 class according to 247Sports, committed to the Aggies in surprising fashion, as the ultra-talented defender was predicted to land with the Oklahoma Sooners by multiple recruiting outlets leading up to his announcement.

Out of Paetow High School in Katy, Texas, Hicks joins fellow teammate and linebacker Daymion Sanford who committed to the Aggies in June, as well as elite defensive prospects such as linebacker Anthony Hill, cornerbacks Bravion Rogers, and Jayvon Thomas, and projected safety Dalton Brooks.

Standing at 6’4″, 270lbs, David Hicks is dripping with potential as one of the most versatile interior defenders in the class, and is a matchup nightmare in either 4-3 or 3-4 defensive front due to his advanced body control, lower body strength, and strength at the point of attack.

On one of the most exciting days for Texas A&M recruiting, here are the best social media reactions after David Hicks’s commitment!

5-star DL David Hicks set to announce collegiate decision

5-star David Hicks will be making his collegiate decision this Wednesday and the Spartans are in the mix

Michigan State football will look to regain some of their momentum on the recruiting trail this upcoming week. 5-star defensive lineman David “DJ” Hicks is set to announce where he is going to go to college this Wednesday, September 28th.

Hicks officially visited Michigan State on the first weekend of June, having a strong experience in East Lansing. It is also known that he has a very good relationship with Michigan State’s pass game specialist Brandon Jordan.

The decision for Hicks will be made between his finalists that include: Michigan State, Texas A&M, Alabama, Oklahoma, MIami, Texas and Oregon.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Remaining 2023 Texas A&M recruiting targets rise in new Rivals rankings

Remaining 2023 Texas A&M recruiting targets rise in new Rivals rankings

Texas A&M’s 2023 recruiting class is still in the process of reeling in their remaining priority targets and with the 2022 college football season less than a week away, some of the top uncommitted prospects are gearing up to make their final official visits.

This week, Rivals, one of the leading recruiting sites in the country, released their brand new rankings for a handful of blue chips in the 2023 class, which included five of Texas A&M’s priority targets receiving 5-Star designations and an increase in their overall ranking. Starting off, The Aggies are still in need of a Quarterback to add to the class, and after losing out on prospects such as Eli Holstein (Alabama commit) and Austin Novosad (Baylor commit) their sights are set on flipping 5-Star phenom, Malachi Nelson.

Other targets such as Offensive lineman TJ Shanahan, Defensive tackle David Hicks Jr., Wide receiver Hykeem Williams, and Cornerback Javien Toviano all received 5-Star designations and rose in the Rivals Top 250 player list.

Now, here are the five listed players who saw their recruiting value rise this week, knowing that the Aggies are paying full attention to their increased stock, and what it would mean to land these prized prospects.

Report: 2023 Defensive lineman David Hicks Jr. states “nothing has changed” in relationship with Texas A&M

The elite defensive line prospect is still high on the Aggies

2023 5-Star Defensive lineman David Hicks Jr. has been the number one priority recruit for Texas A&M and head coach Jimbo Fisher, rivaled only by recent Aggie commit, 5-Star linebacker Anthony Hill. In early July, Hicks Jr. released his Final Seven school list, which includes Oregon, Michigan State, Alabama, Miami, Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M, and recently visited Oklahoma on July 30th, the same day as the annual Texas A&M recruiting pool party. This gave Aggie fans pause concerning his recruiting status, though it was inevitable that the future star would take a visit to a program that was included in his final seven school list.

Recently, David Hicks Jr. spoke to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, discussing his upcoming senior season, his recruiting timeline, and his current relationship with Texas A&M, who are still favorites according to the site at 60.2 %. After revealing that he plans to announce his destination at the Under Armour All-American Game, Hicks went on to explain the status of where he and the Texas A&M coaching staff presently stand:

Really, their message is that I can come in and be a Freshman All-American and nothing has changed ever since they started recruiting me in the eighth grade.”

Nothing has changed. Everything has has stayed the same, so… you just gotta trust that relationship that we have.”

Hicks also described his close relationship with head coach Jimbo Fisher, and defensive line coach Elijah Robinson, who he continues to be in close contact with. One of the most revealing quotes in the interview involved Hicks’s potential fit in the A&M defense, joining what may be the most talented defensive line group in the country come next season:

I fell like if I go to A&M, I’ll be competing against the best, and I won’t be able to be double teamed because they have so many people. So I feel like I could come in and show that I earned my spot there.”

With months to go before David Hicks Jr. announces his decision, don’t be surprised if he shows up to a couple of games this season at Kyle Field, and takes in the wonderful, and exhilarating atmosphere that is Texas A&M Football.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[listicle id=3921]

[listicle id=3859]

Michigan State football makes 5-star DL David Hicks Jr.’s top 7 schools list

Michigan State is trending in the right direction for a major five-star recruit from Texas

Michigan State is trending in the right direction for a major five-star recruit from Texas.

David Hicks Jr. of Katy, Texas announced his top seven schools last week, and Michigan State was on the list. Joining the Spartans was Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama and Miami (FL).

Hicks is ranked as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country for the 2023 class. He’s also the No. 5 overall prospect in 247Sports’ composite rankings for the class.

Hicks holds offers from nearly 40 programs so it’s great to see the Spartans remaining in the hunt for his commitment. He took an official visit to Michigan State last month and that could potentially help sway him towards the Spartans.

Hicks is currently projected to commit to Texas A&M, according to 247Sports. We will see if the Spartans can land this major recruit to truly bolster their 2023 class.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.

[mm-video type=video id=01g3spkvdx0p008ny50w playlist_id=01eqbz825g32p3akwt player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g3spkvdx0p008ny50w/01g3spkvdx0p008ny50w-1d597baaa935b31a4a3b23e8afab787f.jpg]

[listicle id=39916]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1362]

Aggies make the cut 2023 standout Defensive lineman, David Hicks Jr.

Aggies make Top Seven for 2023 standout Defensive lineman, David Hicks Jr.

David Hicks Jr., is the top defensive line prospect in the country, and the best player in the state of Texas in the 2023 class.

On Friday, July 1st, Hicks posted his “Top Seven” school list on social media, including Texas A&M. Oregon, Miami, Alabama, Michigan State, Oklahoma, and Texas, narrowing his focus to these seven programs in order to accurately weigh the pros and cons that each school presents pertaining to his football and academic future. Hicks is currently ranked as the 5th ranked player nationally in the 2023 class, going into his final season at Paetow High School in Katy, Texas.

Hicks is looking to add to an already exceptional high school career, recording 140 tackles, 18 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles during his 2020 sophomore, and 2021 junior seasons.

David Hicks’ recruitment began to really take shape during the month of June, going on official visits to Michigan State on June 3rd, Miami on June 10th, and Oregon on June 17th, while unofficially visiting the Aggies 4 times in 2021, and 3 times this year, with his latest visit on June 25th. Although the Aggies look to have the edge, there’s a reason that 6 other schools are among his final potential choices.

In my recent evaluation of David Hicks, I described his various traits and ability as a player:

Hicks stands at 6-4, 270lbs, and is highly athletic for his size and very versatile, with the ability to play all across the defensive line if needed. He possesses the needed bend and closing burst off the edge in pass rush, has a great first step, is strong at the point of attack, and never lets his foot off the gas from an intensity standpoint. His quickness and general speed in accordance with his size make him a candidate to play in 5-tech position in the 3-4, or the 3-tech position with some outside pass rush packages in the 4-3.

With the recent recruiting success of the Texas Longhorns in terms of securing commitments from the top in-state prospects, Texas A&M knows that securing a player like Hicks could immediately alter their 2023 class and create a potential maroon wave of commitments, just like we saw in the latter half of the 2022 recruiting cycle.

Good luck to David on his journey, and let’s hope he’s back to soak in the beauty that is College Station, Texas sooner than later!

[listicle id=3082]