Louisville football: Four sophomores on the verge of break out in 2019

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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 17: Ryan Finley #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack gets stopped short of the goal line in the second quarter of the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Cardinal Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Robert Hicks

2018 statistics: 24 tackles, 0.5 sacks

Most did not even expect Hicks to be on the roster in 2019 until very recently.

After being asked to move from linebacker to defensive end during spring ball, Robert Hicks felt he needed to explore other options and put his name in the transfer portal.

However, after further conversation with the staff, it appears that Hicks will get his shot at linebacker in 2019. And rightfully so.

Though he only notched one start, Hicks was a man among boys at times for Louisville. In his second career game, he recorded 11 tackles against Western Kentucky and was in on a sack.

Altogether, he recorded 24 tackles in 9 games during the 2018 season and figures to be a key piece for the Louisville defense in the coming year.

It remains to be seen whether Hicks will earn a spot at linebacker, or if the coaching staff will keep him on the line. But wherever he ends up, Hicks has the size and speed to be a complete menace in 2019.

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