Jordan Hicks picks Texas

The wait is finally over. Moments ago Under Armour All-American linebacker Jordan Hicks (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota West) announced a commitment to Texas over scholarship offers from Ohio State and Florida, his other two finalists.

"I felt it was the best place for me, (I) felt comfortable there," Hicks said. "It was just in my heart. They were all good programs, but Texas had that family feel."

Hicks made official visits to all three schools. He had scholarship offers from dozens of others across the country as well before announcing his decision at a press conference at Lakota West.

As far as not picking the Buckeyes, Hicks said, "I wasn't born here. I didn't turn my back on Ohio State. I moved here in 6th grade. I don't look at it like I turned my back on Ohio State."

Hicks said he called Jim Tressel before his press conference to let Tressel know he had selected the Longhorns.

“He understood," Hicks said. "He’s used to it. Not everybody is going to commit to where your at. I had to do what was right for me. I just told him I would not be attending Ohio State and he said, ‘Ok, where are you attending?' and I said Texas. He said ‘OK, we wish the best for you.'”

Hicks said much went into his choice and he took a long, hard look at all three schools. He admitted that the situation with Urban Meyer at Florida had a definite impact on his decision.

“It affected it a lot," Hicks said. "It showed how much more stable Texas was than Florida. That was a big factor and had a big affect on my decision.”

Conversely, Will Muschamp staying at Texas greatly helped the Longhorns' cause.

“It showed a lot of loyalty to Texas. That’s key,” Hicks said.

Hicks will become only the second player from Ohio to ever play for the Longhorns. Hicks said his family will move to the state of Texas with him.

"I feel a lot of relief," Hicks said. "But it's been fun."

The same probably could be said for Texas Coach Mack Brown. Hicks said Brown screamed when he gave him the good news yesterday.

Hicks was asked if he ranked the schools in order.

“No. Didn’t really rank them," he said. "It was a tough decision and I’ve been thinking about it for a tlong time. It just made it tougher with coach Tressel and Coach Meyer. It was tough but they handled it well.”

The 6-foot-2 and 220-pound Hicks tallied 95 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, three sacks and two interceptions during his senior season. He also had 11 carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns on offense. Hicks averaged 41.1 yards as a punter. He led Lakota West to a Division I playoff birth and a 7-4 record.

Hicks is rated as Ohio’s No. 1 prospect by Ohio High/JJ Huddle.com and the Ohio Football Recruiting News. He is also rated as the nation’s No. 1 linebacker and the No. 4 overall prospect by ESPN.com/Scouts Inc.

Hicks was named first team and defensive player of the year on the 2009 Ohio High All-Ohio Team (all divisions). He was also first-team All-Ohio in Division I and the co-defensive player of the year according to The Associated Press.

Lakota West Coach Larry Cox offered his thoughts on his star player.

“When you look at the final analysis of what he’s accomplished, he arguably and quite possibly could go down as the most celebrated player in Ohio – ever," Cox said.

With Hicks off the board, the Buckeyes will focus on three other big-time prospects, offensive linemen Seantrel Henderson (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham), Matt James (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Xavier) and Morgan Moses (Fork Union, Va./Military Academy).

Kurelic’s Comment: Hicks decision was not a surprise, but still a disappointment for the Buckeyes. But at least the star linebacker plays a position the Buckeyes have pretty well stocked. And very shortly I will have a front page story on some potentially good news for the Bucks on the recruiting front. Stay tuned!

Here is video from Hicks' announcement, courtesy of ScoutingOhio.com.