Shockwave in Columbus! Ohio State Stuns Fans with C.J. Hicks’ Position Change—Defensive Gamble or Tactical Masterstroke?

Ohio State football fans received a major shock this  offseason as C.J. Hicks, the former five-star linebacker, made a surprising transition to the defensive line. The decision, which has drawn both excitement and skepticism, is being viewed as a high-risk, high-reward move by the Buckeyes’ coaching staff. With Hicks now training as a defensive end, the big question remains: Is this a strategic masterstroke or a desperate gamble?

The Shift: Why Move Hicks to Defensive End?

Hicks, who came into Ohio State as one of the most highly-touted linebacker recruits in the 2022 class, has struggled to secure consistent playing time in his original position. With seasoned linebackers like Tommy Eichenberg, Steele Chambers, and Cody Simon dominating the rotation, Hicks found himself without a clear role in the defense​

Rather than let his talent go to waste, Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff—led by line coach Larry Johnson—opted to shift Hicks to defensive end. This move is seen as an opportunity to fully utilize his athleticism and explosiveness while addressing depth concerns on the edge following the departures of J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer to the NFL​

Coaches See Huge Potential

Both Johnson and assistant coach James Laurinaitis are optimistic about Hicks’ transition. Johnson emphasized that Hicks’ versatility allows Ohio State to use him in multiple ways, making their defensive front more unpredictable.

“We know he can rush. He’s got great speed off the edge. He really can get off the ball,” Johnson said. “Now, can he play against the run from the line of scrimmage? That’s the challenge. If we can accomplish that this spring, he can be a major asset”​

Laurinaitis echoed similar sentiments, noting that Hicks’ experience as a linebacker could give him a unique edge. His ability to drop back into coverage or attack the quarterback directly makes him a rare hybrid player who can cause confusion for opposing offenses​

Challenges and Adjustments

While the potential is there, Hicks will need to undergo significant physical and tactical adjustments to thrive in his new role. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds last season, he will need to bulk up to handle the physicality of defensive line play. Unlike playing linebacker, where he had space to operate, Hicks will now be battling directly against 300-pound offensive linemen.

The Buckeyes are also hoping that Hicks can develop into more than just a situational pass-rusher. Johnson has made it clear that they want him to be a three-down player capable of stopping the run, setting the edge, and attacking the quarterback​

A Tactical Advantage?

This position change aligns with new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s philosophy of building a scheme around the strengths of his players. Hicks’ hybrid skill set could allow Ohio State to run a more multiple defense, disguising coverages and pressures in creative ways​

If Hicks successfully adapts, he could become a dynamic weapon similar to former college standouts like Micah Parsons, who transitioned from linebacker to pass rusher with great success. However, if the experiment fails, it could leave Ohio State with a talented player stuck in limbo without a clear role.

The success of this move depends on Hicks’ ability to develop his run defense while maintaining his natural pass-rushing instincts. If he can do both, Ohio State may have uncovered a defensive game-changer. If not, questions will arise about whether Hicks would have been better suited staying at linebacker.