Lakota West's Hicks honored by Under Armour

Lakota West senior Jordan Hicks receives his game jersey Thursday morning, Oct. 15, for the Under Armour All-America Game set for Jan. 2, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Staff photo by Greg Lynch Lakota West senior Jordan Hicks receives his game jersey Thursday morning, Oct. 15, for the Under Armour All-America Game set for Jan. 2, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

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By Steven Matthews, Staff Writer Updated 12:50 PM Thursday, October 15, 2009

WEST CHESTER TWP. — First stop on the inaugural Under Armour All-America Game Selection Tour — Lakota West High School.

Senior outside linebacker Jordan Hicks earned that distinction on Thursday, Oct. 15, when Under Armour officials presented the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder with an honorary game jersey at a press conference at the high school.

Hicks also was recognized at a pep assembly later in the day in front of family, teammates and friends.

“It’s very humbling to be considered one of the top high school linebackers,” Hicks said. “I’m really excited to be playing in the game, and go down and meet new people. And meet new friends I’ll carry on through college. I’m really excited to play.”

The third annual Under Armour All-America Game — featuring 85 of the nation’s top high school players — will be played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Jan. 2, 2010. The game will air live on ESPN at 11 a.m.

“He is currently the No. 1 player in the Under Armour All-America Game,” game director Drew Russell said. “We’re excited to get him down there and it’s good to finally meet him in person. You watch videos, you seen him on TV, you read the news articles and everything, and he’s absolutely everything everybody says he is.”

Hicks — the No. 2-rated player in the ESPNU 150 rankings — has his list of colleges down to Ohio State, Texas, Florida, USC and Alabama.

He already has taken official visits to Ohio State and Texas, and has one set up with Florida on Dec. 12.

“It’s definitely exciting and I’m proud of him,” said Kelly Justice, Hicks’ mother. “He’s done a great job on the field and off the field. He’s going to represent the school well and represent Southwest Ohio well, and play good football and keep learning.”

West head coach Larry Cox also was recognized for being named to the Under Armour All-America Game coaching staff.

“He’s as good a person as he is an athlete,” Cox said. “That’s what puts him in the elite class. There are all kinds of great athletes across the nation. You mix grades and character in, that puts him above that level. It’s his character more than his athleticism that leads him to the top.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.

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