Ben Hicks – Noteworthy
As a graduate transfer with just this 2019 eligibility for a team with no incumbent starting quarterbacks in camp, Hicks can’t apprentice. Recruited and redshirted by Morris and Craddock at SMU in 2015, Hicks was their starting quarterback in 2016 and 2017. Given SMU went 2-10 while Hicks redshirted, Morris and Craddock equate him to success. Hicks set Mustangs passing records as SMU in 2016 and 2017 improved to 5-7 and 7-6. “It was a no-brainer to me and Coach whenever his name got put in the portal as the guy we’ve trained for three years in our system,” Craddock said. “He knows what to expect from me. He knows what to expect from Coach Morris. He really wanted to be back with me and Coach Morris, and I think he’s excited about that opportunity.”
The key seems exciting new teammates while both leading and fitting in. “I think some at first were kind of standoffish,” Craddock said. “He’s trying to drag guys out and get them going. So at first it was a little tougher for him than it is now being around the guys for a couple of months and really getting to know them on and off the field. He’s really challenged himself to learn their names and learn something about each player and those types of things. I think the players flock to him. I think they are taking him in very well.” – Northwest Arkansas Times