WATCH: 5-star DL David Hicks reels in touchdown reception

Katy (Texas) Paetow five-star defensive lineman David Hicks is one of the top players in the 2023 cycle. He is the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 1 defensive lineman in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

While Hicks is known for his defensive talent, he showcased Friday night that he can play offense too. The 6-foot-4, 270 pound prospect did that by reeling in a touchdown reception to give Paetow a 14-3 lead over Conroe (Texas). Paetow would end up winning by 11 points.

5⭐️ DL David Hicks isn’t just a stellar defender. He can make plays on offense too! https://t.co/5VTouw9bFLpic.twitter.com/cRI0jbtZnq

— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) August 27, 2022

Hicks is one of the most highly-touted uncommitted prospects in his class. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Texas A&M is leading for his commitment at 58.7%. However, Oklahoma isn’t far behind at 35.1%.

RPM was released to the public in December. The On3 engineering group teamed up with Spiny.ai to create the industry’s first algorithm and machine learning-based product to predict where athletes will attend college. 

It factors in machine learning, social sentiment, visits and historical trends. However, expert predictions are still a big piece of the RPM equation.

Hicks has an On3 NIL Valuation of $247K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

David Hicks On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for David Hicks:

“Physically-developed defensive lineman with advanced power along with length and quickness. Possesses a big frame with a muscled build and an 80-inch wingspan at 6-foot-4. Has brute strength which he pairs with initial quickness to create steady disruption along the line of scrimmage. Consistently shows quick and powerful hands at the point of attack with some advanced pass rush technique for a young defensive lineman.

“Very much a power player at this point in his development, but plays with some nuance and technical skill. Working at both defensive end and defensive tackle as a junior at a powerhouse program in Texas’ highest classification. A strong, but not elite athlete. Turned in dominant showings at college camps prior to his junior season.”