COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There’s practically no one who can get away from 2023 defensive lineman David Hicks Jr.
The five-star recruit has made that clear this season, breaking double-teams, stacking up sacks, and even getting snaps as a quarterback for Allen (Texas) High School. Allen (2-1) is ranked 73rd in the nation by MaxPreps and in those three games, he has totaled 19 tackles, two sacks, and even a touchdown run.
“I’m a hard worker and I like to win,” Hicks Jr. said. “I’m quick with using my hands and I’m always going to put my best foot forward.”
As one of the best in the nation, he ranks as the nation’s No. 3 player and No. 2 defensive lineman, including 35 offers from programs including Clemson, LSU, Michigan and Texas A&M.
He received his Ohio State offer following camp on June 15 but has stayed pretty quiet about his recruitment since July. Hicks Jr. told cleveland.com that he does not have any fall visits planned, but is glad he took the opportunity to visit Ohio State, Miami, Oklahoma and others across the summer.
“I was very excited to get that (Ohio State) offer especially getting it into the season because I was able to show everybody that I am who I say I am,” he said.
Despite Ohio State’s upset loss to Oregon last Saturday, he said that the history of their defense is what makes the school stand out.
“I like the idea of being able to be coached at the highest level,” he said. “Coach Johnson has coached Chase Young, Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa and I watch a lot of Young. ... I like the way he uses his hands and his speed.”
“Coach Johnson helped me with my steps and get off the ball quicker. He showed me a lot of new stuff.”
Although Hicks Jr. has one crystal ball prediction to Texas A&M, he said he has yet to narrow down his decision. He was originally offered by Johnson and has grown a relationship with Ohio State’s defensive line assistant Nick Sebastian.
“I think they’re all recruiting me the same but Oklahoma and LSU texts me the most,” he said. “Texas A&M, LSU, and Clemson are those programs that give a ‘home feeling’.
“We’re just taking it day-by-day and I’m focused on the game. What I’m looking for is the place that feels like home,” he said.
His junior season highlights can be viewed here.
Ryan Day and staff extend two 2023 defensive line offers
Ohio State’s season may be dominating headlines, but the coaching staff never stops their recruiting efforts.
Georgia 6-foot-3, 325-pounder defensive tackle Kayden McDonald earned his offer on Monday night following a conversation with Day and staff.
“God is good. After a great conversation with coach @ryandaytime @R2X_Rushmen1 @NickSebasOSU, I’m honored to receive a scholarship offer from THE Ohio State University! #Buckeyes,” he tweeted.
McDonald is a four-star recruit from North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Ga. Current Buckeye cornerback Jordan Hancock also attended North Gwinnett. McDonald has 11 D1 offers including Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State and Louisville.
From Washington, D.C., 6-foot-3, 265-pound Isaiah Neal also picked up an Ohio State offer on the same night, two days before his birthday.
Neal attends Gonzaga High School and has a three-star ranking. According to 247Sports, he holds eight other offers from Boston College, Louisville, Maryland, NC State, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Virginia.
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