QB Hicks’ impression immediate

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas senior receiver Deon Stewart noted the energy graduate transfer quarterback Ben Hicks brought to the first day of spring drills Friday.

Hicks was clearly in a leading role in the quarterback group, at times dancing and seemingly in constant motion, whether it was due to reserves of energy or trying to stay warm in the cold weather on the outdoor practice fields outside the Walker Pavilion.

“He’s got so much energy,” Stewart said. “He reminds me of Baker Mayfield Jr. kind of. I love him, though. He’s cool.”

Hicks had to laugh when told about Stewart’s reference to Mayfield, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Oklahoma who is now with the Cleveland Browns.

“I don’t know about all that,” Hick said. “Again, I just love playing football. I’ve been playing for a long time. I’m just passionate about the game and love playing.”

Hicks said he was ready to start actual practice after a winter of player-led drills and conditioning.

“It’s just good to be back out there,” Hicks said. “This is going to be my last goaround, so I’m just trying to enjoy it as much as possible and enjoy the guys. That’s kind of my goal for the spring is just to enjoy it, have fun and take it one practice at a time.”

Sophomore linebacker Bumper Pool noted Hicks’ demeanor across the line of scrimmage.

“His confidence is like no other when he steps on the field,” Pool said. “He knows the offense. He knows what those guys are doing, and he coaches the receivers to run the routes the correct way and get after it. He has a confidence about him, and he’s brought that confidence to the whole quarterback room.”

Redshirt freshman quarterback John Stephen Jones said Hicks’ arrival was welcome.

“It was fantastic,” Jones said. “Honestly, he came in day one and helped me a lot since he’s been able to play for this offense for three years. Telling me what it’s like and what he sees on each play and how it was for him.”