Dallas RB learns from the best

When his career first started, running back Michael Hicks was lucky enough to be on a team like Dallas (Texas) Carter where there was plenty of talented players to look up to. For the 5-foot-9, 185-pound speedster, his icon was Carl Taylor who signed with Rice in the class of 2005.

Hicks, who started as a sophomore, watched Taylor who also got a shot during his underclassman years and not only learned how to be a good football player, but a leader. Heading into his senior year whether it's with recruiting or just attitude, Hicks remembers Taylor and the seniors from this year for advice.

"It was a humbling experience backing up Carl," Hicks said. "He had been doing it since his sophomore y ear as well. I got to learn from him and how different things should go. I especially learned a lot about what kind of leader you've got to be as a senior."

Now with a successful junior season under his belt, Hicks is ready for the next stage of his career. That includes bigger stats and high powered recruiting.

The mail is already flooding in.

"Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, SMU, Kansas State, Texas A&M, UTEP, LSU, Alabama, and some Ivy League schools are sending me mail right now," Hicks said. "There aren't any offers, but it's a lot right now."

"I actually just started getting stuff from LSU, but that's probably my top team right now. It's not too far away from home and I think the program can fit me. I also like Oklahoma quite a bit too."

The Ivy League interest speaks volumes for how Hicks balances football and academics.

"Out of 400 or so kids in my class, I'm No. 12 in class rank," Hicks said. "I get letters from Yale, Harvard, and Princeton quite a bit. It's important to get your stuff done there."

As a junior, his stats included 155 carries for 1,113 yards with 12 touchdowns. That earned him all-district honors.

"I'm a north-south runner," Hicks said. "I bounce off a lot of tackles and I have enough speed when I get out there that I can stay out there. I like running backs like DeAngelo Williams that are low to the ground like me and can go anywhere."