C.J. Hicks is moving from linebacker to defensive end as a senior.
“He’s done an outstanding job thus far,” Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson said. “He’s bought in, and that’s the key.”
While Hicks was the top-ranked linebacker in the nation in his high school recruiting class three years ago, he has been unable to carve out a significant role at the position.
Hicks has seen twice as many snaps on special teams than on defense over his career, according to Pro Football Focus.
The position switch presents an opportunity for the Buckeyes to tap into Hicks’ potential as a pass rusher. He had two sacks last fall while blitzing as a linebacker.
“We know he can rush,” Johnson said. “He’s got great speed off the edge.”
Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis said the arrival of new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia could be a boost for Hicks as well.
Patricia is expected to use fronts with a varying number of down linemen, looks that could create more opportunities for a standup edge defender to line up as part of their defense, a possible fit for Hicks with his 6-foot-3 length.
“You can get really creative with how you use him,” Laurinaitis said, “but I think he definitely needs to be used more in going after the quarterback. Go be disruptive and go attack.”
While the pass-rushing possibilities with Hicks remain alluring, Johnson is looking for Hicks to be comfortable in a variety of situations as a defensive end. Ohio State has a need at the position as well after losing both starting defensive ends in Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. Both were seniors last season.
“We don’t want to just use him on third down,” Johnson said. “We want to use him on first and second down. My job is to get him ready to play the run at the line of scrimmage as opposed to space. Once we accomplish that, he’ll give us a chance to give us some depth and do some great things for us.”
Six weeks after the Buckeyes ended their College Football Playoff run with a national championship, the position coaches have largely had meetings with players.
The Buckeyes have been going through their winter strength and conditioning workouts.
But spring practice is set to begin on March 17, a stretch when Hicks’ move to defensive end should begin in earnest.
“If we can walk out of spring with him feeling really good about playing the run and rushing the passer, we got a bonus,” Johnson said. “That’s the goal.”
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why C.J. Hicks, Ohio State football linebacker, is switching positions
