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Jordan Hicks Feels Focused And Confident

By Joseph Santoliquito

PHILADELPHIA, PA (CBS) — When Jordan Hicks was on the field last season, the rookie middle linebacker had a knack for making something happen. The third-round draft pick out of Texas led the Eagles with 54 tackles—and led the NFL with three fumble recoveries—in their first eight games, playing in seven games and starting in five.

Texas v Oklahoma State
STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Jordan Hicks #3 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys November 15, 2014 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Longhorns defeated the Cowboys 28-7. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

Hicks looked like he was headed to the NFL all-rookie team and possibly even given Rookie of the Year consideration when his season was cut short by a torn pectoral tendon against Dallas in Week Eight, on November 8, 2015.

Since then, Hicks has been playing catch-up. The 6-foot-1, 236-pound second-year pro says he's heeled from his injury and while learning a unique role in 2016 in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's wide-nine scheme, which throws a lot of emphasis on the linebackers.

Hicks was asked for his reaction about the Eagles speaking with free agent middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch, who Schwartz has a history with in Tennessee and when he was head coach in Detroit.

"I haven't even heard that, I haven't been in the media at all," Hicks said.

When asked if he feels caught up with the new defense, since he missed time in OTAs, Hicks said he was on the same page with Schwartz.

"Absolutely, that's the focus, no matter where you are, there's going to be something different and you iron out and get better," Hicks said. "I know the defense and know where everyone is supposed to be and how it's supposed to be run. That's my role in this defense and I'm embracing it."

Hicks said the chemistry between him and outside linebackers Mychal Kendricks (weak side) and Nigel Bradham (strong side) is good and getting better.

This is the third defense Hicks has been forced to grasp in as many years. His last year at Texas was head coach Charlie Strong's first in 2014. He came to the Eagles as a rookie starting by Week Four, asked to absorb Billy Davis' scheme. And now this, Schwartz's wide-nine.

"It gets easier, every defense that you're in you pick up new things and you take what you can from certain defenses and certain coaches and you apply it," Hicks said. "That's what I've done. I've played in just about everything now. I still take things from back in the day in college, where I can apply it to stuff today. It gets easier. The first few times were a little difficult, terminology wise."

This year's attacking defense is the opposite of Davis' bend-but-don't break model.

"I had four different defenses in colleges, so I've been in quite a bit of different defenses, and being in this mic position has really helped me a lot, getting everybody aligned and being able to have that type of communication," Hicks said. "I think we're doing well (staying with receivers and running backs). We're doing one-on-one drills and doing well in one-on-ones. It's all about leverage. If you have the right leverage and stay patient, we'll be fine. That's what it comes down to."

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