Ohio State Buckeyes

John Hicks Raised the Bar High for Ohio State Linemen

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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One of the great Ohio State players of all time.

John Hicks passed away Saturday following an illness and he will be missed by the entire Ohio State community. During his career, the great Buckeye tackle set the bar high for every lineman who followed.

Hicks played in an era when freshmen weren’t eligible to play. He started for the Buckeyes on the National Championship team of 1970 but missed most of the next season due to an injury and received a medical redshirt.

Hicks came back from his injury in 1972 and earned All-American honors when he helped pave the way for a running back named Archie Griffin to set the Ohio State freshman rushing record. That just set the table for things to come the following year.

In 1973 Hicks was named All-American for the second time. He won the Outland Trophy as the best interior lineman in the nation and the Lombardi Trophy given to the most outstanding lineman.

Those accomplishments were fantastic but the next two were groundbreaking. Hicks was the runner up to John Cappelletti in the Heisman Trophy voting. It was the first time an offensive lineman had been so honored by the Heisman voters. He also became the first three time starter in the Rose Bowl.

John Hicks also had an impact on young Buckeye fans learning the game of football. I know, I was one.

I became an Ohio State fan watch the ‘Super Sophs’ of 1968. Like every young boy I followed the skill position players like Jim Otis and Archie. I paid special attention to Rex Kern and then Corny Green as I was learning to play the quarterback position. I soon found out you need the big guys to keep you upright to throw the football.

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I grew to appreciate offensive linemen and Ohio State had the best one in the country in John Hicks. For that reason, he will always be my favorite offensive tackle.

Woody Hayes had high praise for the great Buckeye when he called Hicks “the greatest interior lineman I have ever coached”, The legendary coach would also have been proud of his tackle for the things he did following his playing career.

Hayes always believed in paying forward and that’s what John Hicks did. He was involved in community service in the Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio and the Central Ohio Diabetes Association. Woody would be proud.

It was a loss to the Ohio State family with the passing of John Hicks. I’m know Buckeye fans everywhere share their thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

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