Jordan Hicks Credits His Football Knowledge For Early Success
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- "He'll probably be a coach after he's done with football."
That's what an AFC scout told NFL.com of Jordan Hicks during the combine just a few months ago. Now, a mere three games into his first NFL season, the inside linebacker out of the University of Texas is thriving.
Hicks, a third-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles out of the University of Texas, has been thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries. Last Sunday in the team's first win of the season, Hicks recovered a fumbled, recorded an interception, and led the Eagles with 10 tackles in his first professional start.
"I honestly it's the preparation," the mature 23-year-old linebacker told the 94WIP Morning Show on Thursday. "I go into the game with a really good idea. One of my biggest strengths, in my opinion, is understanding football. I think I understand the game of football and understand what offenses are trying to do and the ability to see what's coming. Obviously, playing next to DeMeco Ryans is a huge help. Somebody who brings a lot of poise, a lot of knowledge to the game. He's definitely made this transition ten times easier."
Listen: Jordan Hicks on the 94WIP Morning Show
Hicks, 6'2", 238-pounds, was an All-American out of Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio and the No. 1 rated outside linebacker in the country.
"It came down to Texas, Florida, and Alabama," Hicks said of his college decision.
What about Oregon? Did Chip Kelly recruit you?
"He did. He did," he laughed.
What did Kelly say?
"Oh, I don't know that was so long ago," Hicks said. "I was a pretty good high school football player. Obviously I was pretty raw and didn't know much back then. Honestly, I'm not even sure if he made the trip out to Ohio."
From Ohio to Texas to Philadelphia, Hicks is still getting acclimated to the big city.
"Oh it's completely different," he said. "I've never been up this way and for me, the adjustment is really just learning the city. I'm still trying to figure out where to eat and where to go for certain things. So far though, I love the city. My family comes in and we go down and walk around. I really enjoy the scenery and people here.
