Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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50 NOV. 7, 2016 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED BY COREY BODDEN Heading into his official visit for the Stanford game Oct. 15, La Mirada (Calif.) High 2017 athlete Elijah Hicks had Notre Dame high on his list, and he wanted to see what the program and university were all about. The 6-0, 185-pounder knew once he arrived in South Bend it was the place he wanted to continue his stu- dent-athlete career. "When I got there it felt like home," Hicks said. "Getting away wasn't something I was afraid of. Academ- ics are a big thing, and they definitely have that. They are worldwide and all over the country. "Football-wise, just the tradition and the strong brotherhood they have between each other as a team. They play hard no matter what. It's a young football team, and they con- tinue to get better and I saw that. I wanted to be a part of that brother- hood." Hicks committed to Notre Dame and head coach Brian Kelly Oct. 18, which is his birthday. He selected the Irish over offers from Michigan, UCLA and Washington, among others. "It is one of those birthdays you will never forget," Hicks said. "They really made me feel welcomed. They surprised me with a cake and a big happy birthday, and I wasn't expect- ing it." Hicks, who is ranked as the No. 27 athlete in the country by Rivals, received an offer from the Irish in early August, and that is when the interest in the program started. The trip to South Bend helped reel him in from there. "Once I got offered I was really excited about the school. It's a big deal," Hicks said. "Once I got there I liked how the community was. I never really saw a true college town before. "To see how the fans were there be- fore the game and everything around the atmosphere was something I hadn't seen, and something I appre- ciated and wanted to be a part of." Defensive backs coach Todd Lyght also played a role in the decision. Hicks said "it was big" when asked about Lyght and his influence. The two stay in constant contact, and so do Hicks and Kelly. "He's a good guy," Hicks said of Kelly. "He reaches out to me all the time. I appreciate how he takes care of his players." The visit went well for Hicks, and he found it difficult to pick one as- pect he would consider his favorite part. But, he was able to pinpoint what stood out to him about Notre Dame. "The brotherhood among the play- ers and how they get along with each other and how the coaches interact with the players," Hicks said. Once the announcement was made, Hicks heard from many of the Irish commitments he was joining. "It just shows what kind of player they recruit and how everyone is buying in to do whatever is neces- sary to get on the right track," Hicks said. Notre Dame's 2-5 start doesn't worry Hicks. He knows one more play here or there and the record could easily be flipped. "It's just one of those seasons where every game has been close," Hicks said. "The season could eas- ily be the other way around. A few more plays each game that needed to be made and it's a whole different season. "It's one of those schools where they don't have too many bad years. I have confidence in the coaches and players to do whatever is necessary to build it back." Adding Hicks to the 2017 class gives the Irish a versatile defensive back who can play multiple spots — cornerback, nickel and safety and even slot receiver if he winds up on the offensive side. "I am confident in the coaches in putting me in the right position, and I am flexible to do whatever is needed to help the team win," Hicks said. Hicks is now the third defensive back in the class for the Irish joining three-star athlete Paulson Adebo of Mansfield (High) Texas, whom Notre Dame is recruiting as a cornerback, and Naperville (Ill.) Neuqua Valley four-star athlete Isaiah Robertson, who comes in as a safety. ✦ FILM ANALYSIS Strengths Elijah Hicks is an ideal fit for the Notre Dame defense … An extremely versatile defender that could eas- ily be a starter at either cornerback spot, at safety or at the nickel position … A smooth and fluid athlete that shows very good lateral quickness … Makes strong reads and flashes outstanding instincts in the pass game … When he keeps the receiver in front of him, is able to quickly plant and drive on the ball … Gets his hands on a lot of passes at the high school level. Areas For Improvement Although he has quality speed, he is not an elite athlete with top-end speed … Has to use his technique and instincts to overcome that … Is a strong tackler, but at times he will go for the big hit and not wrap up. — Bryan Driskell COMMITMENT PROFILE ELIJAH HICKS Notre Dame Lands Four-Star California Athlete Hicks, the No. 27 athlete nationally according to Rivals, selected the Irish over Michigan, UCLA and Washington. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM "I WANTED TO BE A PART OF THAT BROTHERHOOD." HICKS ON NOTRE DAME