Name: Michael Hicks Jr
School: Fort Valley State University
Position: DB
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 198
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
In my final collegiate season, I set out to win the SIAC championship and improve on my tackling numbers. We fell short of the championship, but I was able to improve my numbers from 35 in 2019 to 45 in 2021 while missing a game.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
The extra year gave me the opportunity become more of a vocal leader and to put in detailed work on things I felt I needed to get better in from the 2019 season; from the meeting room to my on-field play.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would more than likely say that I’m a leader thats makes his presence felt even when I’m not around the ball or even on the field.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
I look to figure out what the team likes to do the most out of certain formations, while also picking up on little tendencies from everyone on the field.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My heart. I got that drive to want to be better everyday. If I’m not understanding or doing something right, I have to keep going until I figure it out.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My plan is to prepare for my pro day at Kennesaw State University on March 14. Once I complete that, I plan on doing a lot of speed and position training to be in the best position I can be for when I get a phone call from a pro team.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My leadership and my drive to want to figure something out if I cant figure it out on the first try. Im a student of the game and I know there are always things I can fix and perform better.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Don’t be scared to take a chance on the D2 HBCU kid. I’ve always been overlooked since I was a kid, yet I always found a way to stand out and make my presence felt. I don’t plan on stopping that narrative at the pro level.