2019 Four-Star Ronnie Hickman Blown Away By Opportunities At Notre Dame

2019 De Paul Catholic (N.J.) athlete Ronnie Hickman‍ has been to many schools, but he hadn’t been to Notre Dame before Saturday’s visit for Junior Day. 

The four-star prospect enjoyed his time in South Bend, and he appreciated Notre Dame showing him the entire package. 

“It went good,” Hickman told Irish Sports Daily. “It was a long day, and we got there early. It was my first time up here and meeting the coaching staff was really good. I got to see how they work. I got a lot of individual time. 

“We got to go around campus and see the buildings. The architecture is really nice. We saw the academic side and speak to the counselors, which was really cool. We ended the day at the basketball game.”

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder holds offers from the likes of Boston College, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin, but he’s being recruited for multiple positions. 

Wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back have been mentioned as a future position for Hickman, but Notre Dame was crystal clear with where they saw him fitting in.

“They want me at safety,” stated Hickman. “I played safety throughout high school. I just want to be on the field, so whatever position they want me as, it doesn’t really matter. I’m comfortable playing at safety.”

Ohio State is one school recruiting Hickman hard, and while they haven’t specifically named a position, it’s likely very similar to where Notre Dame see’s him. 

“To be honest, they haven’t really classified a position,” Hickman explained. “I have been spending most the time with coach (Greg) Schiano, the safeties coach. I communicate with him the most."

Defensive coordinator Clark Lea’s attention to detail impressed Hickman in conversation but also in a meeting. 

 “I got to speak to him while we were eating,” said Hickman. “He’s a very straightforward guy. He had a presentation and had all the bullet points he wanted as a defense. I really respected that, and I think he’s a really good coach too.”

The football talk intrigued Hickman, but it was the academic opportunities that captured his attention on Saturday.

“I would say realizing how seriously they take things off the field and academics,” Hickman said of his highlight of the trip. “They really take pride in being able to offer a lot off the field and on the field. That stood out the most because some schools are only good on the football side and can’t balance it off.

“I really got to see Notre Dame offers a lot academically and graduating with a degree carries a lot of weight.”

Going into the visit, Notre Dame was high on Hickman’s list, but following the visit, the Irish have momentum. 

“Notre Dame was always a top school because of who they are and what they stood for,” stated Hickman. “After going on this visit, it solidified it, and they are always going to stay at the top of my list.

“I don’t really have any top schools right now. My top schools will be coming out soon, but Notre Dame is up there.”