Ohio State 'Clicking Better' in Practice Says LB C.J. Hicks
No matter how elite your offense is, winning a championship is extremely difficult if you don't have a defense capable of getting stops. Luckily for the Ohio State Buckeyes, though, they boast both.
While the offense received plenty of headlines last season, the Buckeyes defense was just as good - holding opponents to 21 points per game on 321.5 yards of total offense.
Now as they prepare for the 2023 season, second-year linebacker C.J. Hicks is liking what he's seen early in spring practice.
"Practice has been really good," Hicks said. "I think the whole team is clicking better, with the defense. The offense has been playing well, too, and I think we're playing well as a team together."
"Guys are just reacting faster, d-linemen being d-linemen and getting to the quarterback. In the linebacker room all of us are getting a grasp of what coach Knowles is telling us."
Hicks is entering his second year, having recorded just six total tackles as a freshman. A year later, though, he believes that the experience gained in year one will help him this season.
"It helps a lot for sure, building experience," Hicks said. "Not even just for me but for other guys in my class. It builds confidence in yourself, you know what you need to do and just have to go out there and execute."
There is a lot to be excited about if you're the Buckeyes this season, as they will likely once again be contenders to win the Big Ten.
If Hicks and the rest of the defense can take another step forward as well, then don't be surprised if the Buckeyes once again return to the College Football Playoff.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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