HICKS ANNOUNCES THAT HE'LL BE A CSU RAM

Jamal Hicks (returning the interception) of Narbonne-Harbor City announced his commitment to Colorado State on Sunday, Sept. 13. The safety is now the fifth Gaucho player from the Class of 2016 to make a verbal commit to an NCAA Division-I football scholarship (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

Narbonne (Harbor City) safety Jamal Hicks - who is part of a stacked Gaucho senior class that features eight NCAA Division-I prospects – ended his recruiting period by choosing Colorado State on Sunday, Sept. 13.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Hicks announced his decision through his Twitter page, showcasing a collage of pictures that either featured him in a Ram jersey or a customized Sports Illustrated cover with him wearing a CSU uniform.

Hicks said he’s open to other offers, but told Cali Gold Mine: “It feels like a lot of weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It’s a solid commit.”

The senior, who has six tackles and four pass breakups for the 1-1 Gauchos, added that his visit to the Fort Collins campus helped solidify his choice.

“The people out there are amazing,” Hicks said. “The coaching staff is great and I see the big picture with where Colorado State is going.”

Hicks emerged as a national recruit following a strong junior campaign that saw him collect 51 tackles, 36 solo stops, 12 pass deflections and three interceptions.

Colorado State won the Hicks sweepstakes over offers from Mountain West rivals Hawaii, Nevada, San Jose State and UNLV. His recruiting exposure soared after linking up with Gamechangers L.A., a club 7-on-7 team led by former University of Oregon wide receiver James Finley. 

Hicks, who was known more for his hard hits and crashing down at the line of scrimmage on running plays, enhanced his ball hawking skills with Finley coaching him during the spring. He was one of three groups of people Hicks thanked during his recruiting process.

“I give the most credit to my dad, coach Fin (Finley) and the Narbonne coaching staff,” Hicks said.