Elijah

Hicks

Jones got in a limited session on Wednesday, but didn’t respond well and took back-to-back DNPs to end the week. He doesn’t look particularly close to coming back yet. Also inactive for the Bears are DB Elijah Hicks, OL Michael Schofield, DB Lamar Jackson, OL Ja’Tyre Carter, and TE Jake Tonges.

In his final season at Cal, Hicks (5’11/198) totaled 72 tackles, 5.5 TFLS, one sack, and three INTs while breaking up two passes. He was one of the highest graded safeties in the nation in 2021 per PFF, earning an overall defensive grade of 89.4. Hicks has the looks of a classic safety patrolling center field looking to make plays on the ball. He shows good closing speed when the ball is in the air, and has some impressive interceptions on his resumé. Hicks has proven serviceable in run defense as well, and has played on over 400 special teams snaps. Dating back to 2017, Hicks started all but seven of the games he appeared in. A player with his experience should offer value at the next level.

The whole defense was on fire today, not letting Colorado get anything going on the ground or through the air. Hicks (5'11"/200) did it all, leading the team in tackles, getting a huge sack on a safety blitz and picking Colorado QB Brendan Lewis off, jumping the route on a deep pass. The defense will need to keep that same energy next Saturday against Oregon State.

Hicks (5'11/200) was invited to take part in the NFLPA Bowl, but he won’t be playing due to his decision to return to school for another season. The senior safety has been a fixture in the Cal secondary, appearing in a total of 42 games during his first four seasons in Berkeley. Hicks tallied 28 total tackles (18 solo), one interception and three passes defensed in four games this season. Returning to school will give him the opportunity to get even more experience (and give NFL scouts more tape) at safety, as Hicks was a cornerback for much of his first three seasons at Cal.

Hicks (5'11/190) allowed a reception every 18 coverage snaps, easily topping Washington’s Keith Taylor for best in the Conference of Champions. Only a sophomore last year, Hicks was fantastic operating almost exclusively as a wide corner. Pro Football Focus also credits Hicks with missing zero tackles and strong run-defense grades. Hicks is on the NFL radar.