C.J. Hicks entered the 2022 season with major expectations as a 5-star prospect.

However, the linebacker’s true freshman campaign didn’t go exactly to plan. He made just 6 tackles on the year as he played a reserve role behind Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg. However, he did have a significant role on special teams.

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Back in December, Hicks commented on his lack of playing time as a true freshman but was supportive of his teammates. On Friday, Ohio State shared his quote in this graphic:

“Coming in, yes, I wanted to play, obviously. But I don’t have any problem sitting down and watching my teammates ball out,” Hicks said. “Put the best guys out there and ball out and do what’s best for the team. I’m not a selfish guy. I wanna see all my guys eat, and Tommy and Steele are eating.”

Chambers and Eichenberg are set to return to Ohio State for the 2023 season, which means Hicks could be in a similar position again next season.

Hicks is a native of Dayton, Ohio. He was the No. 7 overall player and the No. 1 linebacker in the country for the class of 2022, per 247Sports Composite rankings.