 
Football's Hicks named Student-Athlete of the Month
Sept. 27, 2011
Justin Perez, Texas Media Relations With 21 tackles and three deflected passes to his name this season, Jordan Hicks is setting a standard of success on the football field. The second-year linebacker from Ohio is also taking that dedication to the classroom. Already a two-time member of the UT Athletics Director's Honor Roll, Hicks was recently named student-athlete of the month by the Academic Services staff. The way Hicks has been able to assert himself in the classroom does not come as too much of a surprise. He said he never saw effort in the classroom as an option, but a necessity. "It started at a young age, elementary, middle school, just taking school seriously and knowing that football is one day going to end," Hicks said. "When that time comes you have to have something to support yourself." As a freshman, Hicks was twice named to the UT Athletic Director's Honor Roll (Fall 2010/Spring 2011), while also holding his own on the field, appearing all 12 games on defense and on special teams. He was named as an honorable mention candidate for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year after posting 23 tackles (nine solo), one sack and one quarterback pressure. What has helped Hicks is his willingness to go the extra mile and put in the work necessary to succeed in the classroom. "You have to be able to go into the academic center, stay there long nights, even during the season, even when you don't want to," said Hicks. Hicks is involved in the community as well, and has volunteered at Independence Elementary School in his hometown of West Chester, Ohio to read to second grade students. Hicks has also volunteered at Dell Children's Hospital here in Austin. Hicks' impressive start in the classroom and on the field has not gone unnoticed. "Jordan exemplifies the qualities and characteristics that make up the model Longhorn football student-athlete," said Brian Davis, Associate Athletics Director for Football Academic Services. "His hard work, diligence, intelligence and attention to both intellectual as well as physical pursuits make him a leader in the classroom and football field."
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