'Mike Elko Compelled Me To Stay!' Texas A&M Aggies DT D.J. Hicks Looks Forward to 2024

Texas A&M Aggies defensive tackle D.J. Hicks was heavily recruited as a five-star prospect for the class of 2023 by former head coach Jimbo Fisher, who was integral in Hicks' commitment process.

Dec 27, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman (7) is tackled b y / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The next Texas A&M Aggies college football season is right around the corner and the team finished its sixth practice on Tuesday.

Afterward, defensive tackle D.J. Hicks held the first media availability of his career afterward, and offered thoughts on his return to Aggieland and much more.

Dec 27, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman (7) is tackled b y / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Hicks was heavily recruited as a five-star prospect for the class of 2023 by former head coach Jimbo Fisher, who was integral in Hicks' commitment process. After the departure of Fisher, Hicks could've transferred. But the hiring of Mike Elko as Fisher's replacement helped him decide to stay.

“What compelled me to stay is Coach (Mike) Elko and the way I believe in Coach Elko," Hicks said. "I met Coach Elko right before he left (for Duke). I came here. I was going into my sophomore year. I remember he was telling me the defense and breaking it down. I remembered how smart he was, and I had never talked to someone who was that smart.”

Things are very different around practice from last season when Fisher was leading things, and Hicks commented on why he thinks it will change the play on the field.

“I think the biggest changes have been just the way that the defense is ran," Hicks said. "We went from more three-down to more four-down with Coach (Jay) Bateman now. With that room and Coach (Sean Spencer) and Bateman, I think we can do something special this year.”

Last year was Hicks' first at the college football level and he discussed some of the challenges.

“My first year, for me, it was difficult at first because there was a lot of adjusting. The game was a lot faster.” “With everybody being there and helping me, I personally felt like I got a lot better. From the first game to the bowl game, I think I took a big step with my hands, feet and my eyes.”

Hicks has an opportunity in 2024 to be an anchor and one of the leaders on defense. As he gains more experience he'll be looked upon by his new defensive staff to be a leader on and off the field.