Hicks Headed To ND This Month

The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder from La Mirada High School had a conversation with Lyght this past week.

“I asked him about the defensive coordinator,” said Hicks, referring to last Sunday’s dismissal of Brian VanGorder.

Hicks was able to get clarification about what that could mean for Lyght’s immediate future at Notre Dame.

“He told me he’s still going to be a part of everything and will still be coaching and that defense will be moving in the right direction,” said Hicks.

Lyght also told Hicks how the La Mirada native has been impressing the Irish coaches so far this fall.

“He basically said he loves the way I’ve been playing,” Hicks said. “They really enjoy watching my film as a staff. Every week, there’s something different I’m doing, whether it’s a pick-six or something at receiver or special teams.”

Hicks has offers from schools like Notre Dame, Northwestern, Washington, Michigan, Oregon, Cal, UCLA, Harvard, Penn and Yale among several others and more could be coming soon.

He’ll be in South Bend later this month and the coaches are looking forward to hosting him.

“They can’t wait to get me out there for the Stanford game,” he said.

“I just want to see the atmosphere of the place. I’ve never been out there. I just want to see how it is under a game environment. I really just want to get a better feel for Notre Dame. I know a lot about them, but I’m pretty sure there’s a lot I’m missing. Once I get there, I’m sure it’ll be a whole different feel.”

Hicks took his first official visit to Northwestern last week.

“It was great,” he said. “It was one of those schools – just like Notre Dame – I didn’t know what to expect. I knew a little about them, but I didn’t really know the power behind them until I went out there and checked it out myself.”

Besides Notre Dame, he doesn’t have any other officials lined up, but does have at least one in mind.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be taking one to Michigan,” he said.

Hicks doesn’t have a timeline for a decision at this point.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m not waiting until Signing Day or anything. It’s just whenever I feel it’s right and feel I’ve weighed my options and found the best fit for me, that’s when I’ll make my decision.”

But it seems like Notre Dame is likely to be in the mix until the end.

“It’s just a powerful academic school. They’re known for being a great school. Coach Lyght, I like what he’s done. We have a good relationship right now. I could see myself at Notre Dame, so hopefully I’ll be able to fit in.”