By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
All a prospective running back Baylor is recruiting has to do is look at one number: 1,601.
That’s the single season rushing record Abram Smith set during the 2021 season. Baylor’s RVO offense combined with its jump to new heights last fall has Denton Ryan all-purpose 2023 back Kalib Hicks’ attention.
The Bears are one of 20 offers Hicks has fielded to this point including Alabama, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Mississippi State and SMU. A slow build up with running backs coach Justin “Juice” Johnson continues. But slow and steady isn’t a bad thing.
“I like the vibe from them, very much being friends,’’ Hicks said. “I’m just building a bond with them, friends as a secondary relationship. It’s a good relationship. Joking around. Just having a moment away from football.’’
Hicks is built very solid at 6-0, 200. He put together a productive season for the 5A state-power Raiders rushing for 1,448 yards and 18 scores in their run to the Division I state semifinals.
That was after he rushed for 851 yards and eight touchdowns in 2020 as Ryan won the Division I state title. This offense leaned on him. He carried the ball half the time.
“[Baylor’s running attack] wants a talented guy who can go and be able to carry the ball a lot,’’ Hicks said. “I describe myself as patient, make the first guy always miss and smooth and explosive, kind of like [New Orleans Saints running back] Alvin Kamara.’’
He is considered all-purpose back because of his hands and ability to catch the football. That didn’t happen too much in 2021. He only caught seven passes. However, it is expected to change for the 2022 season.
Hicks picked the right Baylor home games to attend in 2021, Texas and Oklahoma. He watched how Baylor’s physicalness wore down those two SEC-bound programs in the latter stages of the second half. Hicks also saw how the running game played a factor.
There are plans for him to visit for a spring practice. He doesn’t have a date yet. For now, his focus is on track in the 200 and running a leg in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays. Last spring, the Ryan 4x200 team finished sixth at the 5A Texas State Track and Field meet.
“The thing I want to do this offseason is just keep working on my speed and footwork,’’ he said, “and just getting stronger really. And getting more flexible…strengthening my hamstrings more.’’
With a 5.7 rating, Rivals rates Hicks as the No. 10 APB in the country and the No. 86 player in Texas.
Publisher
All a prospective running back Baylor is recruiting has to do is look at one number: 1,601.
That’s the single season rushing record Abram Smith set during the 2021 season. Baylor’s RVO offense combined with its jump to new heights last fall has Denton Ryan all-purpose 2023 back Kalib Hicks’ attention.
The Bears are one of 20 offers Hicks has fielded to this point including Alabama, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Mississippi State and SMU. A slow build up with running backs coach Justin “Juice” Johnson continues. But slow and steady isn’t a bad thing.
“I like the vibe from them, very much being friends,’’ Hicks said. “I’m just building a bond with them, friends as a secondary relationship. It’s a good relationship. Joking around. Just having a moment away from football.’’
Hicks is built very solid at 6-0, 200. He put together a productive season for the 5A state-power Raiders rushing for 1,448 yards and 18 scores in their run to the Division I state semifinals.
That was after he rushed for 851 yards and eight touchdowns in 2020 as Ryan won the Division I state title. This offense leaned on him. He carried the ball half the time.
“[Baylor’s running attack] wants a talented guy who can go and be able to carry the ball a lot,’’ Hicks said. “I describe myself as patient, make the first guy always miss and smooth and explosive, kind of like [New Orleans Saints running back] Alvin Kamara.’’
He is considered all-purpose back because of his hands and ability to catch the football. That didn’t happen too much in 2021. He only caught seven passes. However, it is expected to change for the 2022 season.
Hicks picked the right Baylor home games to attend in 2021, Texas and Oklahoma. He watched how Baylor’s physicalness wore down those two SEC-bound programs in the latter stages of the second half. Hicks also saw how the running game played a factor.
There are plans for him to visit for a spring practice. He doesn’t have a date yet. For now, his focus is on track in the 200 and running a leg in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays. Last spring, the Ryan 4x200 team finished sixth at the 5A Texas State Track and Field meet.
“The thing I want to do this offseason is just keep working on my speed and footwork,’’ he said, “and just getting stronger really. And getting more flexible…strengthening my hamstrings more.’’
With a 5.7 rating, Rivals rates Hicks as the No. 10 APB in the country and the No. 86 player in Texas.
