Hicks was arguably the biggest name of the many high school football players to show up in Columbus for the fourth one-day camp put on by the Buckeyes this month, and he said a few big names were his inspiration for making the trip.
Chase Young, Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa — all former Buckeyes who starred as edge rushers before being high picks in the NFL Draft — and defensive line coach Larry Johnson.
Although Young and the Bosas are not at Ohio State anymore, Johnson is.
Hicks wanted the opportunity to work out for him, and he got just that along with the chance to learn some pass rush moves.
“It was great. It was like a dream come true because he is like the perfect coach,” Hicks said at the conclusion of the camp’s morning session. “(Working out for) Larry Johnson, that’s just something you’ve gotta do.”
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Hicks is the No. 22 player in 247Sports Composite national rankings for 2023.
The Allen High School junior-to-be is the No. 3 prospect in Texas and ranked eighth at his position.
Like may sought-after recruits (and those trying to become sought after), Hicks is in the thick of a busy June.
Among places he has already been are LSU, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.
He said he was planning to visit Michigan on Wednesday with Notre Dame and Oklahoma on deck.
He already had offers from all of those schools entering the day, and Ohio State threw its hat in the ring by the time it was over.
After a great conversation with @ryandaytime and @R2X_Rushmen1 I am proud to announce I have received a offer from @OhioStateFB @coachdhicks @alleneaglesfb @CoachWillBryant pic.twitter.com/S1tYMOLfpu
— David “DJ” Hicks Jr. (@DJ2g23) June 15, 2021
With a year and a half before he can sign, Hicks might not be making a decision soon, but he said the Buckeyes would be in the hunt — not the least of which because of Johnson.
“He breaks down every little thing that you do,” Hicks said. “Everybody says, ‘You’re a great player’ and this that and the other thing, but Larry Johnson breaks down everything you do. This was a different type of feeling. Larry Johnson is one of the best in the game. Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa — look it up. He has the best.”
Ohio State does not have a commitment yet for the 2023 class.
The 2022 class is ranked No. 1 in the country, but it does not have a defensive lineman in it yet.
Johnson has stacked talent on top of talent over the years in Columbus, but he is likely to need to load up on front-line prospects in the next two classes.
Three of the top four ends — Tyreke Smith, Tyler Friday and Javontae Jean-Baptiste — are in their third seasons and could jump to the NFL with big 2021 season.
Four of the top tackles — Jarron Cage, Haskell Garrett, Taron Vincent and Antwan Jackson — are seniors, too.
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