Jim Knowles shares update on how CJ Hicks is settling into Ohio State defense

When CJ Hicks decided to attend Ohio State, there was instantly a buzz about him arriving on campus. Hicks enrolled early and went through spring practice for the Buckeyes and has been a big talking point in Colombus, even after spring practice.

New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who also coaches linebackers, was asked to update on how Hicks is settling into the Ohio State defense. He said while there are still some things to figure out, Knowles loved a few of the things Hicks is doing.

“He’s still figuring things out because our linebackers are very multiple,” Knowles said. “It’s not just ‘hey, you’re going to this place, you’re doing that. You’re doing a lot of different things.’ Which is good for them when they go to the next level but he’s still figuring things out. When he was able to cut loose and play fast, I was really impressed with his feet, his ability to get from Point A to Point B, and his short space explosiveness. Really impressed with that.”

Knowles was then asked if it was a constant progression as practices went on throughout spring. He agreed, saying you could see improvement from Hicks a couple of months later. Fellow 2022 linebacker enrollee Gabe Powers also got a shoutout from his position coach. Both have already done a good job of fitting in with the Buckeyes.

“Yes, absolutely,” Knowles said. “You could see he got better from the beginning to the end. Gabe Powers, he worked extremely hard in learning too. We throw a lot at those guys but they did a good job of picking it up.”

The On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services, ranked Hicks as a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He was the No. 13 overall player and was the second highest-ranked prospect in the Buckeyes’ class.

Hicks is not currently on a path to start immediately but should get some playing time this season. Nonetheless, if you ask Knowles, early returns on the true freshman seem to be positive. There should be plenty of opportunities for Hicks to get on the field, especially with Knowles as his defensive coordinator/linebackers coach.

Knowles is known for being able to develop quality players from his time at Oklahoma State. Hicks has the opportunity to be the next example over the next three to four seasons.