By Julia Maenius, UTSA Athletics Communications
EDITOR'S NOTE: This feature appears in UTSA's game program for Saturday's contest with Southern Miss. For the complete program, visit www.GoUTSA.com/program.
Numbers on a uniform become part of the identity of an athlete. Beginning in 2020 with the foundation of head coach Jeff Traylor's culture, the single-digit uniforms represent leadership, dedication and drive for success. Senior outside linebacker Clarence Hicks has been voted by his teammates for two consecutive seasons to represent the team with a single-digit jersey.
Suiting up for the first time at the age of seven, the Pensacola, Fla., defensive force got his start on the gridiron early. Hicks played for Tate High School and Pine Forest High School where he was offered junior college positions to take his game to the next level.
As a smaller defensive end coming out of high school, Hicks was recruited by Hutchinson Community College where he recorded 42 tackles and 23 for loss, 14 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles and two pass breakups in his two seasons before transferring to UTSA.
"I was close with Coach (Rod) Wright," Hicks said. "As soon as he got to UTSA he hit me up in February of 2019. I told him that if they could take another defensive end to let me know. It was a quick process and I was in San Antonio in less than three days."
Making the transition in 2020 alongside Traylor and his staff, Hicks used his veteran knowledge to lead the team and embrace the culture brought with the Triangle of Toughness.
"I have seen how differently programs can be run," Hicks said. "Coach Traylor is going to practice what he preaches. He doesn't just want you to be a good football player, he teaches us a lot of life lessons."
The largest aspect of the Traylor staff and team has been the establishment of the culture pillars used to strengthen the program. The most effective component to the change seen in the program is the players' willingness to buy in.
"My first year, we did not have a culture," Hicks said. "We had the talent, but we were not together. [Traylor] came in and got us all on the same page. The first year with Coach Traylor, it showed up."
Transitioning from junior college play to Division I, Hicks' biggest adaptation was to the image of wearing the uniform.
"All eyes are going to be on you," Hicks said. "As far as game speed, I think that JUCO is more raw talent, and Division I is more training and technique to perform better on the field."
Traylor has established an emphasis on leadership. Each season after fall camp, the players vote on who on the team suits up in the single-digit numbers. Players are chosen for their outstanding leadership on and off the field. Hicks has been chosen for the second year to show his leadership as a single digit player.
"One thing I always try to do is lead by example," Hicks said. "It tells me that my teammates look at me as one of those guys to have big games. I work so hard every week to not let my teammates down. I hold myself to a standard of trying not to have a bad game and hold myself to it. That always drives me to be better."
A large aspect of Hicks' leadership is holding himself accountable for the same rules and expectations held to set an example for his teammates.
"No one is perfect," Hicks said. "I think that whatever you stand on, you have to die by it. If someone is late, and you get onto them for being late, you have to make sure you are on time and set the example."
Due to the coronavirus, Hicks and 11 other seniors from the 2020 season made the decision to return for the NCAA's additional year of eligibility.
"I felt like we weren't done yet," Hicks said. "I felt like there were games last year that we left on the table. I was not ready to leave. I still felt like I had a lot to prove."
As a staple in UTSA's aggressive defensive front this season, Hicks has led with passion on the field. He draws his motivation to play hard from his love of the game and the support of his family.
"I am really close with my mom, and I have a new niece," Hicks said. "I think of them every day, and they really motivate me."
Making the transition to outside linebacker coming out of Hutchinson, Hicks worked to expand his diversity on the field. In his first season, Hicks recorded 25 tackles, 19 of which were solo stops, he ranked second on the team in tackles for loss with 10, registered two sacks and three quarterback hurries. In 2020 in his first season playing outside linebacker, Hicks registered 46 tackles and 4.5 for loss, led the team with seven quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a single interception and forced fumble.
"Before I came to UTSA, I was just a defensive end, I did not know how to cover or play linebacker. When I adjusted to it, I realized that I could really play that position. My skillset has gone from one dynamic, just being a pass rusher, to three dimensional."
Hicks' super-senior campaign has been the best of his career for the Roadrunners. Focusing on his mobility in the offseason, Hicks was able to prepare for the experienced opponents he would be facing. In his super senior season, he has notched 24 tackles, 10 tackles for a combined loss of 54 yards, six sacks, one interception and four quarterback hurries.
"This offseason, I was still working on speed but I was really focused on my flexibility and mobility," Hicks said. "That helped me with tackling and basic coverage. When I am in a box or outside with all of the smaller receivers who are 180 pounds and all jittery, I knew I needed to adjust. I had to go back to the basics."
Looking forward, Hicks plans to enter the dentistry field. Acknowledging that a smile is everything, Hicks' goal is to put a better smile on everyone's faces.
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