Four-Star Safety Zelus Hicks Commits to Texas

Four-star safety Zelus Hicks committed to Texas on Thursday, strengthening head coach Steve Sarkisian’s 2026 recruiting class that currently features three commits including four-star quarterback Dia Bell, the son of former NBA veteran Raja Bell.

Before his commitment, On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) stated that the Longhorns had a 90% chance of securing Hicks’ signature , despite his appearance at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta for Georgia’s 34-3 beatdown of Clemson , two schools also competing for his signature.

Interestingly, Hicks hadn’t officially visited Texas or any other school involved in his recruitment, according to 247sports , though he did unofficially visit Austin twice on April 13 and June 1 of this year.

Related: Texas QB Commit Dia Bell Signs a Massive NIL Deal

Hicks is a safety that can be lined up in the box as he excels against the run and at getting into the backfield on blitzes. During his freshman campaign, Hicks recorded two interceptions and participated in the FBU Freshman All-American Bowl. He followed that with 67 tackles, 5.5 of them for a loss, two sacks, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles during his sophomore year, his last with Parkview High School, before transferring to the national power Carrollton High School, currently ranked No. 9 in the nation by MaxPreps.

Here’s how 247Sports National Analyst Hudson Standish describes Hicks’ game:

“A modern boundary safety who can quickly trigger downhill and act as an enforcer against the run or the first-level passing game thanks to his physical stature, football instincts and athleticism. Verified at 6-foot-2, 186 pounds with a plus wingspan and ideal combine testing data in February of 2024. Highly productive as a sophomore at Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview in Georgia's AAAAAAA classification before transferring to Peach State power program Carrollton ahead of his junior campaign. Outstanding football IQ is regularly put on display when attacking from depth, operates with a decisive mentality and takes excellent angles. A sure tackler who can bring down slot receivers in open space or play above his weight on bigger receivers or tight ends. Provides significant value relative to his position as a blitzer. Still working on becoming a more consistent man-to-man defender and can get lost at times in the deep third. Should be viewed as a high-upside defensive back who currently projects as a boundary safety but could eventually grow into a bigger-bodied nickel. Potential to develop into a multi-year starter with NFL Draft upside."

Hicks may be able to immediately compete for snaps when he arrives on campus in two years as Andrew Mukuba and Jahdae Barron, both seniors, and Michael Taaffe, a junior, will no longer be in the lineup, paving the way for the next generation of Longhorn safeties.

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