2013 BYU Football Newcomers: Keegan Hicks
By Brian Mace
Here at Lawless Republic we will be profiling all the 2013 signees & return missionaries who will be joining the BYU Football team this season. This will be a daily feature on the site as we count down to Fall Camp.
Courtesty: Deseret News
Keegan Hicks
South Jordan, UT; Bingham High School
6-3, 185
Before BYU: Hicks was a top 30 ranked center by Scout.com while helping lead Bingham High School to 200+ rushing yards and nearly 34 points per game. Was also named second-team All-State team member. He was a three year captain for the Miners who comes from a great football family. With his father and uncles all playing college football, along with one uncle who played in the NFL. Hicks played with some of the best talent the state of Utah has ever seen, he is a proven winner with great leadership ability.
Watching his film you can tell he is a very good run blocker who doesn’t stop blocking until the whistle. Having seen Hicks play several times, I can tell you he is a very aggressive lineman who is always in the correct position. His most underrated asset is his footwork, Hicks has a great drive and always keeps his feet moving, a skill that will be essential at the next level.
Expectations in 2013: Greyshirt then a mission.
Keegan has chosen to serve a LDS mission after he has fully recovered from injury. Doctors would not give him clearance to play in 2013, which led to Hicks making the decision to serve a mission. He is healing well and expect to be 100% before he leaves. His father grew three inches on his mission which has Keegan hoping he also gains a little height during his two year absence.
Potential in BYU career: High
Hicks describes himself as a ‘weight room junkie’ who lives for football. The kid is clearly passionate and has all the tools to be a fantastic lineman at BYU. He will need to stay healthy and continue to work on his skills, but he comes from a great background and knows what it takes to be great. Coach Tujague will love Hicks’ aggressiveness and ability to get down field. Just like all offensive lineman at BYU, Hicks will need to work on his stamina to be able to keep up with Anae’s ‘Go Fast Go Hard’ offensive mantra.
Hicks says he can’t wait to carry the Cougar flag onto the field at Lavell Edwards Stadium, BYU fans can’t wait either.