Football Recruiting - Midlands Region: Kyle Hicks
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Bold Prediction for the Big 12: Kliff Kingsbury saw a lot of success as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He’ll see similar success as head coach at Texas Tech.
Baylor
Biggest Need: Offensive linemen to protect the talented skill-position players.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 150 receiver Robbie Rhodes (Fort Worth, Texas/Southwest) has the tools to be not only a starter but also an all-conference player as a freshman.
Iowa State
Biggest Need: With only one commit at the position, the Cyclones need linebackers.
Biggest Recruit: Four-star offensive tackle Shawn Curtis (Orlando, Fla./Olympia), at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, should be a future leader for the Cyclones’ offensive line.
Kansas
Biggest Need: The Jayhawks need a running back or two.
Biggest Recruit: Juco defensive tackle Marquel Combs (Memphis, Tenn./Pierce College) is the No. 3 junior college prospect in the country for a reason. He’s a run-stopper.
Kansas State
Biggest Need: Running back, just like its Sunflower State counterpart.
Biggest Recruit: Linebacker Nick Ramirez (Lee’s Summit, Mo./Lee’s Summit West) is the only four-star commit, but three-star junior college quarterback Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western Community College) might be the sleeper of the class.
Oklahoma
Biggest Need: Linebacker is a huge necessity.
Biggest Recruit: If ESPN 150 running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Ranch) stays healthy, he could have a promising college career -- which could lead to an NFL opportunity.
Oklahoma State
Biggest Need: The Cowboys need help at quarterback and linebacker.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 receivers Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) and Marcell Ateman (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East) bring different dynamics but similar results to the football field.
TCU
Biggest Need: Playmaking wide receivers.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 running back Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) has the potential to be outstanding, but three-star athlete Ty Slanina (East Bernard, Texas/East Bernard) could be stellar at several spots.
Texas
Biggest Need: While Texas is strong on the offensive line, it needs defensive linemen.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 150 center Darius James (Killeen, Texas/Harker Heights) leads a very talented class of Longhorns offensive linemen.
Texas Tech
Biggest Need: The Red Raiders could use more defensive tackles.
Biggest Recruit: Quarterback Davis Webb (Prosper, Texas/Prosper), an Elite 11 finalist last summer, could be special under the wing of Kliff Kingsbury.
West Virginia
Biggest Need: Players in the secondary.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 inside linebacker Darrien Howard (Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne) has the tools to shut down a lot of plays before they even get started.
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Bold Prediction for the Big 12: Kliff Kingsbury saw a lot of success as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He’ll see similar success as head coach at Texas Tech.
Baylor
Biggest Need: Offensive linemen to protect the talented skill-position players.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 150 receiver Robbie Rhodes (Fort Worth, Texas/Southwest) has the tools to be not only a starter but also an all-conference player as a freshman.
Iowa State
Biggest Need: With only one commit at the position, the Cyclones need linebackers.
Biggest Recruit: Four-star offensive tackle Shawn Curtis (Orlando, Fla./Olympia), at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, should be a future leader for the Cyclones’ offensive line.
Kansas
Biggest Need: The Jayhawks need a running back or two.
Biggest Recruit: Juco defensive tackle Marquel Combs (Memphis, Tenn./Pierce College) is the No. 3 junior college prospect in the country for a reason. He’s a run-stopper.
Kansas State
Biggest Need: Running back, just like its Sunflower State counterpart.
Biggest Recruit: Linebacker Nick Ramirez (Lee’s Summit, Mo./Lee’s Summit West) is the only four-star commit, but three-star junior college quarterback Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western Community College) might be the sleeper of the class.
Oklahoma
Biggest Need: Linebacker is a huge necessity.
Biggest Recruit: If ESPN 150 running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Ranch) stays healthy, he could have a promising college career -- which could lead to an NFL opportunity.
Oklahoma State
Biggest Need: The Cowboys need help at quarterback and linebacker.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 receivers Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) and Marcell Ateman (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East) bring different dynamics but similar results to the football field.
TCU
Biggest Need: Playmaking wide receivers.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 running back Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) has the potential to be outstanding, but three-star athlete Ty Slanina (East Bernard, Texas/East Bernard) could be stellar at several spots.
Texas
Biggest Need: While Texas is strong on the offensive line, it needs defensive linemen.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 150 center Darius James (Killeen, Texas/Harker Heights) leads a very talented class of Longhorns offensive linemen.
Texas Tech
Biggest Need: The Red Raiders could use more defensive tackles.
Biggest Recruit: Quarterback Davis Webb (Prosper, Texas/Prosper), an Elite 11 finalist last summer, could be special under the wing of Kliff Kingsbury.
West Virginia
Biggest Need: Players in the secondary.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 inside linebacker Darrien Howard (Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne) has the tools to shut down a lot of plays before they even get started.
ESPN 300 lineman headed to Baylor 
February, 5, 2013
Feb 5
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
The curious case of ESPN 300 lineman Andrew Billings (Waco, Texas/Waco) has finally been resolved.
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Texas' 2013 recruiting class had already suffered four decommitments. Just four days before signing day, the Longhorns suffered another one that was more stunning than the rest.
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Three-star RB hopes for late Texas offer
January, 29, 2013
Jan 29
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By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
One in-state prospect is crossing his fingers and hoping good news starts coming his way.
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Sleeper RB Kinner wants to be a Longhorn
December, 19, 2012
12/19/12
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By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
How have you never heard of Ke'aun Kinner?
At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds from a small but fast-growing town called Little Elm that’s tucked away north of Dallas, he can be easy to miss.
He set out to make a name for himself with his senior season. He did a little better than that, producing one of the state’s most remarkable seasons in only 10 games.
At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds from a small but fast-growing town called Little Elm that’s tucked away north of Dallas, he can be easy to miss.
He set out to make a name for himself with his senior season. He did a little better than that, producing one of the state’s most remarkable seasons in only 10 games.
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TE Durham Smythe decommits from Texas
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
2:51
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By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Texas’ 2013 recruiting class has suffered another defection.
Four-star tight end Durham Smythe (Belton, Texas/Belton) decommitted from the Longhorns on Tuesday. The longtime Texas commit confirmed his decision in a text message to HornsNation.
"I have nothing but respect for the coaches, commits, players and program," Smythe said, "but I had to do what I thought was right for me personally."
Four-star tight end Durham Smythe (Belton, Texas/Belton) decommitted from the Longhorns on Tuesday. The longtime Texas commit confirmed his decision in a text message to HornsNation.
"I have nothing but respect for the coaches, commits, players and program," Smythe said, "but I had to do what I thought was right for me personally."
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A healthy Kyle Hicks will benefit TCU
December, 3, 2012
12/03/12
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Last year, ESPN 150 athlete Daje Johnson committed to TCU in March, only to change his verbal to Texas and sign with the Longhorns in February.
TCU got its comeuppance on Monday.
ESPN 300 running back Kyle Hicks, a Texas commit since mid-February, chose to decommit from the Longhorns and give his verbal to the Horned Frogs early Monday afternoon. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back, ranked No. 219 in the ESPN 300, is TCU’s highest-ranked commit and the Horned Frogs’ 16th commit overall.
TCU got its comeuppance on Monday.
ESPN 300 running back Kyle Hicks, a Texas commit since mid-February, chose to decommit from the Longhorns and give his verbal to the Horned Frogs early Monday afternoon. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back, ranked No. 219 in the ESPN 300, is TCU’s highest-ranked commit and the Horned Frogs’ 16th commit overall.
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RB Kyle Hicks flips from Texas to TCU
December, 3, 2012
12/03/12
3:27
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
ESPN 300 running back Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) can’t deny what his heart is feeling.
For the last few months he has contemplated the idea of playing football closer to home, closer to his mother and close to his good friend and former high school teammate Devonte Fields.
Today, his heart couldn’t take it any longer.
Hicks called Texas co-recruiting coordinator Bruce Chambers and told him he had decided to switch commitments from the Longhorns to TCU.
“One, I get to play for an outstanding football team,” Hicks said. “Two, I get a good education from a private school, and three, it is 15 minutes from home.”
Hicks was Texas’ lone running back recruit in the Class of 2013. He had been committed to the Longhorns since Feb. 18.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Hicks said. “Talking to Chambers on the phone, my body was shaking. I never thought I would decommit from Texas. I created a big bond with Chambers for nine months. Just to decommit was the hardest thing ever.
“Of course he was disappointed. He wanted to know why. It was just a decision I had to make.”
Martin coach Bob Wager was in his office with Hicks when Hicks made the call to Chambers.
“He’s been agonizing over it for months,” Wager said. “He just called Coach Chambers 15 minutes ago in my office. Torn up, distraught, very apologetic. But very sincere. It’s the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. I was there watching him, and pain was showing all over his face.”
Hicks (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) is rated at No. 20 among running backs and No. 219 overall in the country.
He had to step in at quarterback for Martin this season and fared well. He threw for 458 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. But his bread and butter was still the run, which he did 177 times to the tune of 1,113 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Hicks tore his left ACL and meniscus Oct. 26 and is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday. It was the second serious injury for him in the last two seasons.
Last year, during the third round of the playoffs, he broke his foot on the first play of Martin’s game against Euless Trinity. He continued to play and finished the game with 20 carries for 113 yards and a 19-yard, game-clinching touchdown.
Hicks is confident that he’ll be fully healthy in six months and ready for fall camp with the Frogs.
“It was where my heart is at,” Hicks said. “I feel at home with TCU. Whenever I got the chance to visit TCU I just knew that was where I wanted to be. Great football team and it’s close to my mom. I can’t pass that down.”
William Wilkerson/ESPN.comKyle Hicks said he has formed a bond at TCU and that's where his 'heart is at.'
Today, his heart couldn’t take it any longer.
Hicks called Texas co-recruiting coordinator Bruce Chambers and told him he had decided to switch commitments from the Longhorns to TCU.
“One, I get to play for an outstanding football team,” Hicks said. “Two, I get a good education from a private school, and three, it is 15 minutes from home.”
Hicks was Texas’ lone running back recruit in the Class of 2013. He had been committed to the Longhorns since Feb. 18.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Hicks said. “Talking to Chambers on the phone, my body was shaking. I never thought I would decommit from Texas. I created a big bond with Chambers for nine months. Just to decommit was the hardest thing ever.
“Of course he was disappointed. He wanted to know why. It was just a decision I had to make.”
Martin coach Bob Wager was in his office with Hicks when Hicks made the call to Chambers.
“He’s been agonizing over it for months,” Wager said. “He just called Coach Chambers 15 minutes ago in my office. Torn up, distraught, very apologetic. But very sincere. It’s the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. I was there watching him, and pain was showing all over his face.”
Hicks (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) is rated at No. 20 among running backs and No. 219 overall in the country.
He had to step in at quarterback for Martin this season and fared well. He threw for 458 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. But his bread and butter was still the run, which he did 177 times to the tune of 1,113 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Hicks tore his left ACL and meniscus Oct. 26 and is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday. It was the second serious injury for him in the last two seasons.
Last year, during the third round of the playoffs, he broke his foot on the first play of Martin’s game against Euless Trinity. He continued to play and finished the game with 20 carries for 113 yards and a 19-yard, game-clinching touchdown.
Hicks is confident that he’ll be fully healthy in six months and ready for fall camp with the Frogs.
“It was where my heart is at,” Hicks said. “I feel at home with TCU. Whenever I got the chance to visit TCU I just knew that was where I wanted to be. Great football team and it’s close to my mom. I can’t pass that down.”
Texas RB commit Kyle Hicks tears ACL
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
If there is one thing you can say about Longhorns running back commitment Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) it’s that he is as tough as they come.
For the second time in two seasons Hicks has suffered a serious injury at the end of his football season, the latest is a tear of his left ACL and meniscus.
Hicks said he was injured on Oct. 26 in a 42-21 win over Arlington Lamar, but that he didn’t do the most damage until two weeks later in a 44-26 loss to Arlington Bowie.
For the second time in two seasons Hicks has suffered a serious injury at the end of his football season, the latest is a tear of his left ACL and meniscus.
Hicks said he was injured on Oct. 26 in a 42-21 win over Arlington Lamar, but that he didn’t do the most damage until two weeks later in a 44-26 loss to Arlington Bowie.
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Texas RB commit Hicks suffers injury
May, 22, 2012
5/22/12
3:42
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Texas’ four-star running back commitment Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) will spend time this summer recovering from yet another broken bone in his right foot.
Hicks, the Longhorns’ lone running back commitment in 2013, originally broke his foot on the first play of a third-round playoff game against Euless Trinity last season. It’s worth noting he finished that game with 20 carries for 113 yards and a 19-yard game-clinching touchdown.
All seemed to heal well until he participated in the 4x400-meter relay at a regional track meet a few weeks ago.
Hicks, the Longhorns’ lone running back commitment in 2013, originally broke his foot on the first play of a third-round playoff game against Euless Trinity last season. It’s worth noting he finished that game with 20 carries for 113 yards and a 19-yard game-clinching touchdown.
All seemed to heal well until he participated in the 4x400-meter relay at a regional track meet a few weeks ago.
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We got a chance to catch up with Oklahoma commit Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Ranch) yesterday at the Houston Under Armour Sevens tournament. If you missed it yesterday, here’s a feature on the state’s top running back prospect.
During a talk with his father, Keith Ford Sr., the topic of Texas came up. Why was Texas never a school Ford seriously considered during his recruiting process?
“They didn’t fit at all,” he said. “They did the same things they did with Robert Griffin III, and RGIII’s parents are military too. We’re very forward when it comes to anything in life. I really wasn’t impressed with Texas at all, and Keith wasn’t impressed either.”
During a talk with his father, Keith Ford Sr., the topic of Texas came up. Why was Texas never a school Ford seriously considered during his recruiting process?
“They didn’t fit at all,” he said. “They did the same things they did with Robert Griffin III, and RGIII’s parents are military too. We’re very forward when it comes to anything in life. I really wasn’t impressed with Texas at all, and Keith wasn’t impressed either.”
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Michigan has always had some success recruiting in Texas. Since the local universities do so well with keeping their in-state prospects at home, it's a victory to pull any elite-level prospect out of Texas.
The Wolverines are once again going after Texas products as the staff has extended offers recently to running backs Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Ranch) and Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin), wide receiver Marcell Ateman (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East), offensive lineman J.J. Gustafson (Dallas/Jesuit) and a few others.
The newest offer, however, was extended today to defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball). The 6-foot-2, 275-pound tackle now holds offers from Michigan, Arizona, USC, Texas, Miami and Tennessee among others.
The Wolverines are once again going after Texas products as the staff has extended offers recently to running backs Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Ranch) and Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin), wide receiver Marcell Ateman (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East), offensive lineman J.J. Gustafson (Dallas/Jesuit) and a few others.
The newest offer, however, was extended today to defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball). The 6-foot-2, 275-pound tackle now holds offers from Michigan, Arizona, USC, Texas, Miami and Tennessee among others.
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Hicks gets offer and a lot to think about
February, 12, 2012
2/12/12
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Before the week began, Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) wasn’t too sure where he stood with Texas and if he was even on the Longhorns’ radar.
By Sunday, after a visit to Texas’ first junior day, he left Austin with a scholarship offer and a whole lot of burnt orange on his mind.
“The campus is really great, the coaches were very nice to me,” Hicks said. “It was just a great visit.”
By Sunday, after a visit to Texas’ first junior day, he left Austin with a scholarship offer and a whole lot of burnt orange on his mind.
“The campus is really great, the coaches were very nice to me,” Hicks said. “It was just a great visit.”
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RECRUITING NATION MIDLANDS COVERAGE
The Midlands Region consists of the states of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and
Texas and is where Big 12 programs make a living recruiting. However, with the deep talent pool in the Lone Star State, teams from all over the country flock to the Midlands to find players.
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MIDLANDS RECRUITING CONTRIBUTORS
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