Cincinnati Football: Ja’Von Hicks reflects on different relationships throughout Bearcats career

After compiling the sixth most interceptions in Cincinnati Bearcats history, highlighted by a pick in his first career start in 2019, Ja’Von Hicks is hoping to get selected in the NFL Draft this month!

Coming off an impressive career at Cincinnati that included 197 total tackles and 10 interceptions, Hicks should have a chance to compete for a roster spot and potentially develop into a starter.

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.

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.

Cincinnati Football: Ja’Von Hicks reflects on different relationships throughout Bearcats career

Following a productive performance in his final appearance in a Bearcats uniform, Hicks has been getting ready for the upcoming draft by training alongside fellow prospects in Florida.

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

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

Cincinnati Football: Ja’Von Hicks discusses favorite memories from Bearcats career ahead of NFL Draft

With less than three weeks until the draft kicks off in Kansas City, Hicks continues to prepare for the next level as he looks to join several former Cincinnati standouts in the NFL.

Hicks reflected on his Bearcats career and relationship with teammates in a recent interview with me!

"“When I got there, I think they were 4-8. Throughout my college career, we were able to win games and compete for national and conference championships. When I committed, I always said that I wanted to be able to play for a championship in my own city. When my time was up at Cincinnati, I think I left it all on the field and I have no regrets. You have to have a bond with each other because those are the guys you’re going to be taking on different teams with and you need to know each other’s tendencies and triggers to bring that dog out in each other. I think those relationships are huge. Throughout my career, we always had team bonding and that really helped us. I think that was why we were able to achieve the things we did. It was huge because the relationship was built the day coach Luke Fickell took the job at Cincinnati and it grew until it was time for me to sign my letter of intent.”"