DJ Hicks, DT for the Texas A&M Aggies, Will Play a “Larger Role” in 2025?

The Texas A&M Aggies have long been known for their elite defensive line play, and the emergence of DJ Hicks, a standout defensive tackle (DT) for the Aggies, promises to continue that legacy. As the 2025 college football season looms, Hicks is expected to step into a much larger role for Texas A&M, one that could see him become a key figure in their defensive unit.

Hicks, a player with immense talent, size, and athleticism, has already proven himself to be a major force on the field for the Aggies. But as his role expands, both his individual growth and his impact on the team will be crucial to the Aggies’ success in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).

This article will dive deep into DJ Hicks’ career thus far, why he is expected to play a more prominent role in 2025, and how his contributions will shape the Texas A&M defense in the upcoming season.

DJ Hicks: A Rising Star on the Texas A&M Defensive Line

DJ Hicks has been an impressive figure for the Texas A&M Aggies since he first arrived on campus. A highly-touted recruit, Hicks was one of the top-rated defensive tackle prospects in the country, and his arrival was seen as a potential game-changer for the Aggies. Coming from Allen, Texas, a well-known football powerhouse, Hicks was accustomed to high-level competition and had the drive and work ethic to match.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 300 pounds, Hicks has the size and strength to dominate in the trenches. But it’s his athleticism that truly sets him apart from many of his peers. With a combination of speed, power, and quickness, Hicks is not only a formidable presence against the run but also a legitimate pass-rush threat. This versatility makes him a unique asset for Texas A&M, capable of disrupting plays both in the backfield and at the line of scrimmage.

As a true freshman, Hicks quickly made his mark, earning valuable playing time and contributing to the Aggies’ defensive efforts. Though he may not have been an immediate starter, his potential was evident from the start, as he showcased the ability to rush the passer, control the line of scrimmage, and provide consistent pressure on opposing offenses.

In his second season, Hicks began to garner more attention from coaches and analysts, earning a more prominent role in the defensive rotation. His improvement from year to year, both technically and physically, set the stage for a larger role in 2025. As the Aggies prepare for the 2025 season, Hicks is poised to become one of the leaders of their defensive line, and his contributions will be key to Texas A&M’s success on defense.

Why DJ Hicks Will Play a Larger Role in 2025

Several factors point to DJ Hicks stepping into a larger role in 2025. His continued development, the evolving needs of the Aggies’ defense, and the changing dynamics of the roster all contribute to the expectation that Hicks will become a central figure in Texas A&M’s defense next season.

1. His Continued Development and Improved Skills

As a player, Hicks has shown tremendous growth over his first two years at Texas A&M. Defensive line coach Elijah Robinson and the Aggies’ coaching staff have worked diligently to help Hicks refine his skills, particularly in the areas of technique, leverage, and pass-rushing. His ability to use his hands effectively and disengage from blockers has improved significantly, and his understanding of defensive schemes has made him more dangerous in multiple facets of the game.

Hicks’ versatility has also expanded during his time at Texas A&M. He began his career as a prototypical run-stuffer—strong and immovable at the line of scrimmage—but has since developed into a player capable of rushing the passer and creating pressure on quarterbacks. This evolution as a two-way threat makes him an even more valuable asset in defensive coordinator DJ Durkin’s system, where flexibility is key.

The combination of physical development and mental growth will allow Hicks to play a larger role as a leader on the defensive line in 2025. Having spent time learning from veteran players and receiving consistent feedback from coaches, Hicks is ready to take the next step in his development.

2. A Potential Starting Role in 2025

As Texas A&M prepares for the 2025 season, the defensive line will experience some turnover. Veteran defensive tackles who played pivotal roles in 2024 may move on due to graduation or the NFL Draft, opening up starting spots for emerging players like Hicks. Given his potential and the increased confidence in his abilities, it is expected that Hicks will step into a starting role alongside other talented defenders.

In such a role, Hicks will not only have the opportunity to play more snaps but will also become more involved in critical situations, such as third-down plays or red-zone defense. Playing at the heart of the defensive line, Hicks will be tasked with occupying blockers, freeing up teammates for plays, and controlling the point of attack against both the run and the pass.

3. Increased Leadership Responsibility

As one of the most talented and experienced players on the Texas A&M defense, Hicks will also be expected to take on more leadership responsibilities in 2025. Leadership on the defensive line is essential for setting the tone and keeping the unit focused. Hicks has already demonstrated strong leadership qualities through his work ethic, communication, and performance on the field.

In 2025, Hicks will likely become one of the focal points of the Aggies’ defensive leadership group. Whether it’s motivating his teammates, helping to bring younger players along, or leading by example with his performance, Hicks’ role as a leader will become more pronounced as his playing time increases. The more significant role he takes on will inevitably translate into more accountability, not just for himself but also for the entire defensive line unit.

4. Defensive Scheme and Adjustments for 2025

With a year of experience in DJ Durkin’s system, Hicks is well-versed in the defensive schemes and philosophies that Texas A&M will employ in 2025. Durkin’s defense is known for its aggressive approach, often using multiple fronts and bringing pressure from different angles to create havoc in the backfield. Hicks, with his ability to play in a variety of alignments and his explosiveness off the ball, is the type of player who can thrive in this kind of scheme.

The Aggies’ defense will continue to evolve in 2025, and Hicks’ ability to take on different roles—whether as a traditional nose tackle, a 3-technique in passing situations, or even as a disruptor in three-man fronts—will be crucial to the success of the defense as a whole. Texas A&M will likely look to utilize Hicks’ versatility in a way that maximizes his strengths, allowing him to be a key playmaker in their defensive game plan.

5. The Aggies’ Defensive Line Depth and Competition

Texas A&M has historically been strong in recruiting and developing players on the defensive line, and the 2025 season should be no different. However, with increased competition for playing time, Hicks will have to continue proving himself to earn the larger role that is expected. The Aggies have a deep roster of defensive line talent, which means Hicks will face stiff competition from teammates who are also vying for starting spots.

While this competition will push Hicks to perform at his best, it will also create an environment of growth and improvement across the entire defensive line. For Hicks, this challenge will serve as motivation to elevate his game even further, as he looks to establish himself as one of the top defensive tackles in the SEC and in college football as a whole.

What DJ Hicks’ Larger Role Means for Texas A&M

Hicks playing a larger role in 2025 will have a profound impact on the Texas A&M defense. As the Aggies continue to compete for dominance in the SEC, Hicks will need to help anchor the defensive front and ensure that the team remains competitive against some of the best offenses in the country.

1. Defensive Dominance

With Hicks as a central figure on the defensive line, Texas A&M’s ability to control the line of scrimmage will improve. Hicks’ strength and quickness make him a major asset against both the run and the pass, and his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks will disrupt offensive schemes and give the Aggies an edge in key moments.

A more prominent role for Hicks could also mean more turnovers, sacks, and tackles for loss, which will put the Aggies in better positions to win games.

2. Development of Younger Players

Hicks’ increased playing time and leadership will also help develop the younger defensive linemen on the roster. As a player who has gone through the learning curve of transitioning to college football, Hicks will be able to mentor and guide the next generation of Aggies, helping them adjust to the rigors of playing at the SEC level. His leadership, work ethic, and experience will be invaluable in developing a strong, cohesive defensive line for Texas A&M in the future.

3. Improved Defensive Depth

With Hicks taking on a larger role, the Aggies will benefit from improved defensive line depth. By rotating Hicks with other players, Texas A&M will be able to keep their defensive front fresh throughout the course of the season. This depth will be important in the SEC, where teams often rely on multiple defensive linemen to weather the storm against high-powered offenses.