Hickman commits, but will still take visits

Tampa (Fla.) Bay Tech defensive tackle Greg Hickman is finally ready to reveal his commitment after sitting on the decision for several days. The three-star defensive tackle recently pledged his services to an in-state program.

"I'm committed to FIU now," Hickman reported. "I told my coach and I don't know when he told them, but they know now. Then, I just talked to [the FIU coaches] and told them."

The 6-1, 255-pound Hickman has not taken an official visit to Florida International yet, but he has seen the school on several occasions.

"I really like the coaches from Coach Mario Cristobal to the defensive line coach," he reported. "And I liked the environment at the school. I went on a couple unofficial visits there and I really liked it."

Hickman had picked up offers from schools in the Big 12, the Big 10 and Big East. His decision to commit to an in-state school did not have anything to do with proximity to home, however.

"It did for my parents who were helping me with the decision, but if it came to it and I felt I had to go to Hawaii, then I was going to Hawaii,' Hickman said.

Although Hickman has now issued a verbal commitment to Florida International, he still plans to take his official visits before signing in February. For now, his first official visit is set up to Western Kentucky for the weekend of Jan. 23.

"I was talking with the coach and he said don't do it, but I'm still going to take my trips," Hickman said. "I visit Florida A&M that next weekend [after Western Kentucky]. If Iowa State offers a trip, then I'll go there, but they haven't yet. They came to the school two or three times earlier this month and told the coaches I still have an offer, but there really hasn't been any [direct] contact with them."

Hickman helped lead Tampa Bay Tech to a 10-2 record this past season by recording 82 tackles, over 20 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, a blocked punt and blocked field goal.