Georgia's first to offer 2026 safety Zelus Hicks

It was only a matter of time for Zelus Hicks. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound freshman safety out of Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview is one of the top 2026 prospects in Georgia.

He camped at Georgia over the summer, he was on the Bulldogs’ radar, and he picked up an offer from the in-state school while on his visit to Athens Saturday.

“This means a lot to me. I didn’t expect it this soon but I am very grateful it came this soon Just thanking God for the opportunities He’s giving me,” Hicks told On3.

Hicks knows about Georgia. He is from the Peach State. He has followed the program in Athens.

“I grew up a big fan of Georgia’s,” Hicks told On3 in a recent interview. “My dad loves Georgia, so I have always liked them. I have camped there, I was at a game last season, and I like a lot about Georgia.

“The fans are great, I love the environment, and the coaches are great. I want to get back for another game this season.”

The freshman has worked with Will Muschamp, Fran Brown, some Georgia players, and other staff members in Athens. He started game one for a loaded Parkview team in game one this season and he is using what he learned over the summer early in his high school career.

“I got a lot of work in with the Georgia coaches this summer,” Hicks told On3. “They worked with me on things I could improve on, they told me what they liked about me, and I got a lot of good work at Georgia.

“They worked with me on my technique, I learned new drills, and both the coaches and some of the players really helped me. The Georgia coaches helped me a lot going into my freshman season.”

#AGTG. Blessed to receive my first offer from the university of Georgia #GoDawgs  @Mansell247 @CoachWMuschamp @ReuseRecruiting @Buster_Faulkner @JEllisUGA @CoachSDawson @KirbySmartUGA @ChadSimmons_ @247Sports @JeremyO_Johnson @ParkviewFB @Rivals @UGAAthletics pic.twitter.com/z4fsJYhwKu

— Zelus Hicks (@Zelus_Hicks) September 24, 2022