Nehemiah Hicks

2008: 9 catches for 165 yards and 4 TD's; 6 sacks
2009: 46 tackles (20 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 blocked kicks, 1 fumble recovery, 9 QB pressures, 2 pass break-ups

2009: 25-4A First Team All-District Offense and Defense; First Team All-Centex Defensive End (Austin American Statesman); 3 star recruit by ESPN.com / Scouts Inc.; 43rd nationally ranked defensive end by ESPN.com / Scouts Inc.

Mike Sherman and the Aggies went toe-to-toe with Bob Stoops' Sooners for Nehemiah Hicks, so his signature represents a significant recruiting victory for A&M. It also represents a huge step in the right direction for a defense trying to return to prominence under new DC Tim DeRuyter.

The 6-3, 240-pound defensive end is a pass-rush specialist but also generates a strong initial punch and can stuff the run. Hicks rarely gives up his ground in the trenches and uses his long arms to his advantage as both a pass-rusher and when playing against the run. Nehemiah also displays a tenacious streak in pursuit and has impressive closing speed. He's just a rock-solid defensive end prospect all the way around.

Hicks is also an accomplished tight end, which is actually what Oklahoma had offered him to play. He's a tough run blocker and smooth pass-catcher. Nehemiah was so talented on offense that the Ags recruited him on defense but also told him that a move to offense could be in his future if that was the better fit. Hicks is fine with playing on either side of the ball, though he prefers defense.

After ending the recruiting process at A&M's spring game, Hicks put together a very strong senior season for the Hippos, totaling 46 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hurries, 3 sacks, 2 blocked kicks, 2 pass deflections and a fumble recovery. His post-season honors included 25-4A First Team All-District mention on offense and defense and First-Team All-CenTex (at defensive end).

"Nehemiah is focused, determined and intense. Physically what jumps out at you is for being 6-4, 240 pounds, he has great flexibility. He has a great first two steps, he's quick and explosive off the ball and, especially at the high school level, he beats people off the ball. His physical ability with his size and quickness is just exceptional at the high school level. You can find guys that are big and tall, but you can't find the ones that can run, have great feet and are as explosive as Nehemiah." - Hutto head coach Lee Penland.

"For me, one of the biggest things about A&M is that everyone is just like a huge family. I see people at the grocery store or just anywhere I go and people know who I am and are so nice. It's just like one big family. I'm ALL A&M. I've got a big tattoo of A&M, actually. It's not finished but when it is it will have Kyle Field, the state of Texas and the A&M symbol." - Nehemiah Hicks.