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C.J. Hicks is moving from linebacker to defensive end as a senior.
“He’s done an outstanding job thus far,” Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson said. “He’s bought in, and that’s the key.”
While Hicks was the top-ranked linebacker in the nation in his high school recruiting class three years ago, he has been unable to carve out a significant role at the position.
Aug 31, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) sacks Akron Zips quarterback Ben Finley (10) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.
Hicks has seen twice as many snaps on special teams than on defense over his career, according to Pro Football Focus.
The position switch presents an opportunity for the Buckeyes to tap into Hicks’ potential as a pass rusher. He had two sacks last fall while blitzing as a linebacker.
“We know he can rush,” Johnson said. “He’s got great speed off the edge.”
Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis said the arrival of new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia could be a boost for Hicks as well.
Patricia is expected to use fronts with a varying number of down linemen, looks that could create more opportunities for a standup edge defender to line up as part of their defense, a possible fit for Hicks with his 6-foot-3 length.
“You can get really creative with how you use him,” Laurinaitis said, “but I think he definitely needs to be used more in going after the quarterback. Go be disruptive and go attack.”
While the pass-rushing possibilities with Hicks remain alluring, Johnson is looking for Hicks to be comfortable in a variety of situations as a defensive end. Ohio State has a need at the position as well after losing both starting defensive ends in Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. Both were seniors last season.
“We don’t want to just use him on…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/ohio-state-footballs-c-j-230411897.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2025-03-07 23:04:00
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