FSU Looks to Sign Jax LB

Florida State may only sign one linebacker in this recruiting class, but they are showing interest in a handful of guys. One of the most recent is Jacksonville Forrest standout Brandon Hicks. On Monday, the 6-foot-3, 205 pounder heard that good news should be on the way soon.

"I talked to their recruiting coordinator (John Lilly) on Monday," said Forrest Head Coach Dennis Clemons. "They said after looking at his film, they are going to offer him. I don't know when it is, but they said they will."

No question, the Jacksonville linebacker was excited to receive word that an offer from the 'Noles is on its way.

"He's very excited," said Clemons. "His mom graduated from Florida State. We were surprised that they (will) offer. We don't get much pub. Since I've been here the biggest guy we had was last year with Joseph Singleton who signed with Southern Miss. They want to work him out through their summer camp. They are trying to get him at the camp and get a good look at him."

Hicks already has written offers from Miami and Auburn and spent a day this week in Gainesville watching the Gators at spring practice. Other schools in the mix include Clemson and Ole Miss.

As a junior, Hicks recorded 88 tackles, 12 sacks, including 5 over the final 2 games. Hicks also led the team in quarterback pressures as an outside linebacker. On offense as a tight end, Hicks had 220 receiving yards and two touchdowns. If that's not enough, he's also the kick off guy and the punter.

"He's a hustle player," said Clemons, "he plays hard on every play. Seldom do you see him loaf. He enjoys the game, he smiles the whole game. He's constantly hustling to the football and is relentless at attacking the football."

In the classroom, Hicks has a 2.4 cumulative GPA and is awaiting his SAT score. The First Coast linebacker will attend Florida State summer camp but doesn't have definitive plans to go anywhere else just yet.

"When you play teams, you have to play for No. 8 (Hicks)," said Clemons. "Not a lot of teams know what we've done. We're putting together a DVD of his highlights. We don't want him to get left out, so we're doing our little campaigning."