Recruit Spotlight: DT Mikey Ricks, Holy Cross High School, Class of 2018

Recruit Spotlight: DT Mikey Ricks, Holy Cross High School, Class of 2018

by Crissy Froyd

Holy Cross High School, a private school located in New Orleans, LA, sounds like an easy place to overlook when it comes to athletes, but the 4A institution has produced several big names like Texas A&M head basketball coach Billy Kennedy, Hall of Fame Louisiana Tech football coach Joe Aillet, and the late great college football star Hank Lauricella, who had a Hall of Fame career at Tennessee. Players like defensive tackle Mikey Ricks are continuing to put them on the map.

Louisiana Football Magazine recruiting expert Lee Brecheen sees the 5’11, 255-pound defensive tackle as a solid worker with a high ceiling.

“Ricks has a high motor and is a big time, high effort kid,” Brecheen said.  “I think he could play for certain DI programs if given the chance at defensive end. He’s quick and strong.”

Ricks has a few offers on the table right now, but seems to have his sights set on Georgetown University, which is a school that has not yet offered him.

“I have some small offers from Millsaps, Wabash, Florida Tech, and I am in talks with many others, but I’m leaning mostly towards Georgetown,” Ricks said. “They have not offered yet, but I’m really excited to go through the process with them and possibly have a chance to attend a a program of that level.”

It’s known that high school football is an activity that makes an individual grow as a person, forms bonds, and teaches them many a life lesson. Ricks is certainly no exception to this perception.

“I have learned to become a leader, along with the lesson that the little things matter more than the eye can see,” Ricks said. “I’ve learned to play my advantages rather than try to compete with theirs, I play my game which usually throws them off theirs. Most importantly, I’ve learned that until you change things for yourself and realize that when the right thing becomes second nature, the entire culture of a program can change.”

While Ricks remains focused on a future of football, he’s got a solid second career option if things don’t go his way. He wants to be involved in sports no matter what specifically as a chiropractor.

“I am extremely serious about pursuing football because I know the love and desire I have to play this game, but if things do not work out in my favor, I am planning to study exercise science and then attend chiropractic school,” Ricks said.

Ricks has quite the resume both on and off the field. Where football is concerned, he was first all district DT/DE, 1st team Clarion Herald Elite Team, Player Of The Week on two occasions, and was named team captain.

He has also impressed by being named to the National Honors’ Society, and making a score of five on his AP exam at Holy Cross.

(Click Here to check out Mikey’s senior highlights)

 

Crissy Froyd is a student residing in Baton Rouge, LA. She began her career with an emphasis on quarterback analysis, but has since covered a number of sports. She currently reports for The Bank, USA TODAY SMG and SB Nation. Her work has also been featured on FOXsports.com and Yahoo! Sports. Crissy is majoring in Mass Communications.