Jacksonville Linebacker Eyes Clemson

TigerNet Staff · Correspondent · Thursday, June 08 2006

Brandon Hicks - Linebacker
Height: 6-3 Weight: 205 Hometown: Jacksonville, FL (Forrest HS) Class: 2007

ESPN: NR

Clemson wide receivers coach Dabo Swinney has become a thorn in the side of Florida's big three. When Swinney landed two players last year, DeAndre McDaniel and CJ Spiller, that were coveted by the big three. Now, Swinney is recruiting Brandon Hicks, who also is being pursued by the big three.

"I have offers from Florida, Florida State, Miami, Clemson, LSU, and Auburn. All of them are recruiting me as a linebacker, but Clemson, they want me as a defensive back."

The idea of playing defensive back has some intrigue to Hicks. In fact, it is a big reason why the Tigers are in his top five.

"Clemson likes my athleticism, and Coach Swinney says he knows I can make plays in the open field. If I played safety, I would have a chance to make hits. Linebacker or safety works for me. At linebacker, I would have a chance to make more plays behind the line of scrimmage."

Hicks says it is nice to have offers from the Florida schools, but he is not guaranteed to stay in-state.

"Miami, Florida, and Florida State are all great programs. I could not go wrong with any of those three. Clemson and LSU are top programs, as well. It is a good situation to be in. If I want to stay close to home, I can, but if I want to go away I can. I plan on visiting all five this summer."