Ryan Day gives strong backing on why a former elite recruit can succeed after a position change at Ohio State
Ohio State started spring practice on Monday and it begins the chase to repeat as National Champions during the 2025 season. The Buckeyes expect to have a different-looking spring that may end with a spring game that has less intrigue, due to not as much time off with the College Football Playoff run. As the […]
Ohio State started spring practice on Monday and it begins the chase to repeat as National Champions during the 2025 season.
The Buckeyes expect to have a different-looking spring that may end with a spring game that has less intrigue, due to not as much time off with the College Football Playoff run.
As the Buckeyes ramp things up this spring, many eyes are on a former five-star recruit who has made a position change.
Ryan Day raves about C.J. Hicks and what he brings to the EDGE room
After being a linebacker for the last three seasons in Columbus, former five-star recruit C.J. Hicks is now a full-time pass rusher for the Buckeyes. It was known earlier in the month that the former No. 10 overall recruit in the class of 2022 would be making the switch. The writing was on the wall even last season.
“His quickness off the edge … he's got a great first step," Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said on Monday. "He's powerful for somebody who maybe isn't as big or strong as some of the defensive ends that we've had. He can really get skinny around the edge and reduce his surface area. He has a good knack for rushing the passer. We messed around with it a little bit last year, but now we are going to do it more full-time."
Hicks is listed at 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds for the Buckeyes and his main job is to now bring down the quarterback as a senior. Through three seasons, Hicks has appeared in 40 games with 36 tackles and two sacks. Hicks’ best season yet was last year when he made 22 tackles and two sacks.
The talented defender has shown great flashes but has never been able to put the consistency together to grab a starting role. Now as a full-time EDGE rusher working with defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Hicks could reach some of that untapped potential.
Ohio State has to replace Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, two players who have made a ton of production over the last four seasons. Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson are penciled in as the likely starters and FCS transfer Logan George will have a role. Expect Hicks to fit in there and battle for a role as well.
Hicks is an Ohio product from the Dayton area and has one last season in Columbus to leave a big mark. The position change may be exactly what it takes.
