Oklahoma's Marcus Hicks Switches Sides

Sooners defensive end comes off an injury and has switched to offense, according to the school's online roster.

Oklahoma defensive lineman Marcus Hicks has switched sides.

The Sooners’ sophomore defensive end has moved to offensive line, per the athletic department’s online roster.

The change was first reported Wednesday morning by SoonerScoop’s Bob Przybylo.

The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Hicks suffered an Achilles injury last year and missed the 2020 season.

Hicks signed with the Sooners as a four-star recruit out of Wichita, KS. He redshirted in 2019 and didn’t play as a true freshman.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch said during the spring that Hicks was looking good on defense but still on the mend.

“Marcus is a tough one … coming off an injury,” Grinch said. “You very rarely get a chance to enhance skill set. You’re trying to get back to a level. Trying to get back to a certain standard by which you play the game. So he’s a guy that’s got to elevate, he’s got to enhance from a developmental standpoint. So the verdict still’s out.”

OU has an experienced offensive line returning in 2021, including both guards (Tyrese Stevenson and Marquis Hayes), starting left tackle Erik Swenson (likely moving to right tackle) and two-year Tennessee starter Wanya Morris at left tackle via the transfer portal.