2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sam Hicks, RB, Abilene Christian University

- Name: Sam Hicks
- Position: RB
- College: Abilene Christian University
- Height: 5’8”
- Weight:186 lbs
- X (Twitter): @hicksfor6
- Instagram: @hicksforsix
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I’ve honestly wanted to be a football player since I was 3. My first word was “ball,” and even though I played other sports growing up, football was always my main focus. I also had family members who went D1 in football, so I knew what path I wanted to take.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
My favorite moments were receiving my first D1 offers from JUCO, spending a year at Saddleback College, and becoming an All-American in the process. The whole year felt like a culmination of finally getting the opportunity I’d worked so hard for.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
I want to get my foot in the NFL door and take full advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. That’s the only thing I’m focused on right now. Everything else will fall into place.
If you could hang out with any football player, past or present, for a day, who and why?
I’d say Alvin Kamara, because he’s been in the league for so long and knows the ins and outs of being a dominant back in both the passing game and the running game. Another option would be KaVontae Turpin, who had to earn his way up to a 53 man roster spot in the NFL, primarily as a kick returner. I’d love to learn from him about how to make an impact on a team, especially as an underdog.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My cousin Aaron Green, who played for TCU and then for the Rams, Bills, and in the UFL. He showed me that it’s in my blood. My parents also inspire me because of the hard work they put in to help me reach this point.
What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?
I love Air Raid and spread offenses because they allow me to do everything. I’m a guy who can make people miss in space, and I can also line up in the slot to run routes or catch passes out of the backfield.
What should we know about Sam Hicks the person?
I’m a hidden gem. I truly believe I’m one of the top all-purpose backs in this class, even though I’m not a big-name guy. I became an All-American this year in all-purpose yards and had the most total all-purpose yards across both FCS and FBS. I was also one of the top standouts at the Tropical Bowl and College Gridiron Showcase. I work hard and came from literally nothing, and I have a story to tell.
What stands out about your film the most?
My ability to make defenders miss in the open field, my breakaway speed, my skills as a return man, and my ability to catch passes out of the backfield.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
I pray to God and work hard in everything I do, because I believe everything will take care of itself if I stay committed and put in the effort.
What would a team get in a player like you?
Everything. They’d get my full commitment, work ethic, character, leadership, and the God-given abilities that I bring to the table.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
I love going up against opponents who are just as good as or better than me, because it gives me the chance to prove I’m better. (For example, games like North Dakota State really fuel that competitive fire.)
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
Blayne Taylor. I think he’s been slept on, but he’s a guy with great length who’s bailed out our offense in big third- and fourth-down situations. He’s a baller.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen