Ryan Day praises transition made by CJ Hicks to new position

Ohio State coach Ryan Day is impressive with how CJ Hicks has handled making a position change this spring. The senior will move from linebacker to defensive end in the 2025 season, giving him a chance to be even more impactful as a pass rusher.

Day praised the progress that Hicks had made so far while working with Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson. He noted the difficulty of learning a new position as well, comparing it to when Sonny Styles switched from safety to linebacker last season.

“I think he’s made the transition well,” Day said. “When you make the transition from off ball to on ball, and you watch Sonny transfer from being at the third level to the second level. When you make that transition from being on the second level to on the ball, things change. It was remarkable to me how quickly Sonny made that transition. I’m hoping CJ can do the same thing, but it does take time. As opposed to being off the ball and running on the ball, you’re constantly engaged in blocks or looking to avoid them.

“He did a really good job in the pass game. He’s growing in the run game. Learning how to set the edge and get off blocks. We’re encouraged with what we see, but again, it’s gonna have to be a big summer for him. I know he and Mick and Larry are talking about exactly what the right weight should be for him to carry knowing that he’s gonna be on the line.”

CJ Hicks checks in at 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds according to the official roster on Ohio State’s website. Presumably, the coaching staff would like him to add a few pounds of muscle before the season begins at the end of August.

The former five-star recruit appeared in 15 games this past season as the Buckeyes won the national championship. He finished with 22 total tackles, two sacks and one pass defended.

The change of position should give him even more opportunity to get after the quarterback this upcoming season. He’ll look to help bolster a defensive line that lost Jack Sawyer by providing some depth along the edge.

With spring practice wrapped up, Hicks can use this summer to focus on his weight goals and further learning what is required of him in his new role. Ohio State kicks off the 2025 season with a big-time matchup at home against Texas on Aug. 30.