Cincinnati Football: Ja’Von Hicks looks ahead to NFL Draft, talks about training in Florida

With less than a month until the 2023 NFL Draft begins, former Cincinnati Bearcats safety Ja’Von Hicks prepared for the next level by training alongside fellow prospects in Florida!

After compiling the sixth most interceptions in program history, highlighted by a pick in his first career start against UCLA in 2019, Hicks decided to declare for the draft in late December.

Hicks was thrust into a starting spot prior to his sophomore campaign and quickly became an integral part of the secondary with a team-best five interceptions and 10 takeaways in 2019.

Coming off an impressive career with the Bearcats that included 197 tackles and 10 interceptions, Hicks is hoping to get drafted this month and should have a chance to compete for a roster spot!

Cincinnati Football: Ja’Von Hicks looks ahead to NFL Draft, talks about training in Florida

The Cincinnati native was a standout defensive back and wide receiver at Colerain High School before eventually committing to his hometown Bearcats nearly six years ago.

Even though it came in a losing effort, the senior safety showed off his intriguing potential with seven total tackles and an interception against Louisville in the Fenway Bowl last December.

During the postgame press conference, Hicks explained that it was a disappointing result but he was proud of everything he accomplished and the brotherhood he developed along the way.

Cincinnati Football: Ja’Von Hicks discusses NFL Draft preparation, reflects on Bearcats career

Following a productive performance in his final appearance in a Bearcats uniform, Hicks has been getting ready for the upcoming draft with daily training sessions and workouts.

Hicks discussed the pre-draft process and training in Florida in a recent interview with me!

"“Training in Florida was seven days a week pretty much. It was very intense workouts. I would get up at like 6:00 AM to start my day, get some good breakfast and then go up to the field to loosen up before we started our speed workout. Some days we had field work with different position drills. After that we would lift or have yoga some days. I was training down at Per4orm with a guy named Nick Hicks. Pro Day didn’t really go my way because I hurt my hamstring during the 40-yard dash. I still think I ran and jumped well. Obviously scouts are still staying in touch with me so that says a lot about my film. As of right now, I’m just going into the Cincinnati facility to do treatment and rehab. Then I’m just going to work out, find something to eat and relax for the rest of the day.”"