Texas Longhorns bumps up a rank in the 2025 recruiting class following the reclassification of Julian Lewis' Carrollton teammate, Zelus Hicks

By Viraj Mali

Modified Nov 06, 2024 22:04 GMT

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Zelus Hicks, a four-star safety, announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns on Sept. 12 Initially a 2026 recruit, he reclassified to the Class of 2025 and helped the Longhorns in the process.

Hicks' commitment helps the Longhorns' future and strengthens their roster for the upcoming seasons. The 6-1.5 safety commitment has also improved the Longhorns' ranking in the Class of 2025.

Texas went up by one in the team rankings, as the Longhorns improved to No. 5 after landing the four-star recruit. He is working on setting up an official visit to Texas in the upcoming weeks and is excited to be a part of the Longhorns' future.

"Things moved quickly with Texas," Hicks told On3. "They came out in the spring and offered. They came heavy after me, and after that visit, I felt great about Texas. I liked the school. I meshed with coach Blake Gideon. They just kept applying pressure like no other school, and I made my decision."

The four-star safety chose the Longhorns over other top programs such as Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Ohio State. He's ranked No. 193 nationally and is the 15th-best safety in the Class of 2025, according to On3.

Zelus Hicks reclassifies to the Class of 2025

Zelus Hicks, a four-star safety from Carrollton (Georgia) High School, was the best-ranked safety in the Class of 2026. However, the young defenseman reclassified to the Class of 2025.

Hicks decided with the help of parents and believes that it is the right move for his career going forward.

"With prayer and careful consideration, support from my family, coaches, and teamates, belief in me from college progams, this will be my final season of high school football," the Georgia native wrote, as per theucreport's Instagram page.

He had high praise for the Longhorns and spoke about his relationship with the coaching staff.

"The relationships with the Texas coaches was a big factor, too," Hicks told On3. "Coach Gideon (UT safeties coach Blake Gideon), Coach Sark and the whole defensive staff has gotten to know me. ... My family and I like Texas a lot. My aunt lives in Texas, so it is a great place for me and my family to be."

Zelus Hicks is ranked as the 27th-best overall prospect from the state of Georgia by On3. He has tallied 67 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles during his sophomore year for Carrollton High School.