Bearcat offensive lineman Sam Hicks signed a letter of intent to play for Northwestern Red Raiders this morning in the auditorium at Booneville High School.
Hicks singed with the Orange City, Iowa Christian college with teammates and classmates looking on.
Hicks said he picked the Red Raider program over about nine others, despite its distance of 9.5 to 10 hours from his home.
“It really just felt like home. All the coaches treated me like there own and just talking to Coach William, he was a really genuine person and reminded me of here,” said Hicks.
Offers for Hicks’ services were scattered throughout the nation.
“A lot of them were closer,” said Hicks. “I had one in Florida, but I was never going to end up going there. I wanted to go in the cold.”
How much will he miss the parents, especially mom (Cara)?
“I’ll be alright. I’ve still got a phone, I’ll call her,” he said.
Dad sees a benefit in terms of nutrition for the 6’4” 330-pounder son.
“I was concerned about when he went to college and then I realized they’ll feed him,” said John Hicks
Hicks said he would really like to get started, like now.
“I’ll be going up there in June. I wanted to go for spring ball but I’m going to end up being here,” said Hicks.
Playing at guard, Hicks helped lead the Bearcats offense to over 5,000 yards this season, which was primarily on the ground, though that will not be his focus going forward.
“I’ll be a tackle there,” said Hicks. “They are about 60-40 run pass.”
“I just want to say congratulations to you. It’s been a blessing to coach you for the last three years,” said offensive line coach Jacob Hattabaugh. “We talked about it last week how you came over and you worked your rules The maturity I’ve seen you grow the last three years has been a blessing.”
Hattabaugh also acknowledged this signing represents a goal achieved.
“We know it’s always been a lifelong goal for you to play college football and it’s very special for me to see that, your teammates to see that, and us coaches to see that,” said Hattabaugh. “I’ll have to make my way up there to see you play a little bit.”
Like the high school he is leaving, NAIA member Northwestern has plenty of tradition. The Red Raiders played for a national title in 2022 and 2023, winning the title in 2022.
A member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference – with institutions in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota – Northwestern finished 6-4 this season, their fewest wins since 2016.
“Sam there’s one thing I hope you learned from Booneville and that is to always give your best in everything you do and eventually it becomes a habit,” said athletic director Josh Walker. “I know when you get to Iowa Northwestern you will represent Booneville well.”
