Three-star offensive/defensive lineman Hayworth Hicks (6-3, 323, 5.1), from Palmdale (Calif.), finished his senior season (9-2) with over 30 tackles and two sacks.
Hicks, ranked No. 31 as an offensive guard by Scout.com, favors Washington State slightly over Oregon, Utah, Mississippi and Idaho and all of his favorites have offered, except Idaho.
He says that the Cougars are recruiting him the hardest and that they want him for defensive tackle. "I really like (defensive line) coach Mike Walker," Hicks said. "I feel comfortable with him. They've called me a few times and I get letters from them everyday.
"I really think the team is improving and will keep getting better. It's also nice because they are away from home and it's somewhat different up there," Hicks said. "I also like their mascot. I think the cougar is a strong animal."
The Cougars may be recruiting Hicks for defense, but the Ducks and Utes both want him for offense. "I'll play either one," Hicks said. "It doesn't matter to me. I'm good at defense because I can fight off double teams and don't get pushed back. On offense, I play really aggressive and hard."
"The Ducks always seem to be a good team," Hicks said. "I don’t even know why, but I've always kind of liked them. They are fun to watch and they have great uniforms. I really like their colors. Green is our team color and it's my favorite color."
Hicks does not have any official visits set yet. "I just took my SAT and ACT and will set them up soon."
He has a 2.0 core GPA and a 900 SAT (new version). He also retook the ACT on December 9. "I got a 3.0 this semester, so my grades are improving," Hicks said. He's also working on making up some credits during the holiday break as well.