Javon Hicks, Cincinnati Football News: Draft Scout Player News

08/14/22 - FS Javon Hicks, rSr/2023, Cincinnati

The standard at the safety position is sky high at the University of Cincinnati. The Bearcats have had four safeties drafted to the NFL in Luke Fickell's five seasons as head coach. Three of those safeties are currently vying for prominent roles on their respective teams. As Darrick Forrest (Washington Commanders), James Wiggins (Arizona Cardinals) and Bryan Cook (Kansas City Chiefs) are working through NFL training camp, their former Bearcats teammate, Ja'von Hicks, is working to uphold the standard they set at Cincinnati. "It has its moments where it has its highs," Hicks said of the responsibility of upholding that standard. "I enjoy leading the young guys. And then there's times where it's also stressful, being that I'm the only real veteran in the safety room. I'm OK with it, though. Put everything on my shoulders. I'm OK with leading the young bulls."

Hicks could've tried his luck in the 2022 NFL Draft like his longtime friend Cook, but he decided instead to stay at Cincinnati for one more season thanks in large part to the efforts of Bearcats co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Colin Hitschler. "Last year, he was a vocal leader," Hitschler said. "Him and Cook were a steady presence in the back end of one of the best secondaries in the country. He's been there and done it. It's great to have him back. It was a huge recruiting battle to bring him back for a fifth year. It was as important as any recruiting battle there is. From a leadership standpoint, he just brings that calmness to the room." With 29 career starts, including starting all 14 games alongside Cook and All-American cornerbacks Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner and Coby Bryant last season, Hicks is now the undisputed leader of Cincinnati's defensive backfield. - Cincinnati Enquirer

rSr/2023