Dere' Hicks joins the staff in February 2022 by way of Savannah State University where he served as the defensive backs coach this past fall. Under his tutelage, the Tigers defensive backs were ranked third overall in the country in interceptions (14), while the defense was ranked fifth overall.
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The Tigers boasted two All-Conference defensive backs in Nyem Bozeman and Marvin Grunchie with another, LeVante Larry being invited to participate in the postseason FCS Bowl. He also worked with All-SIAC First Team return specialist Einaj Carter who finished ninth in the county in punt returns and second in the SIAC in kickoff return average.
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Prior to his time at Savannah State, Hicks served as the offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach at Virginia University of Lynchburg from January 2020 – May 2021. Over his time at VUL, he helped develop a spread-style offensive game plan while coaching the wide receivers on alignment, assignments, and execution of fundaments.
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He previously also served as the defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator for the Virginia Prep Sports Academy in the fall of 2019 working on a recruiting database that targeted athletes from all throughout the Southeast with an emphasis in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. He also created a play-fast mentality to the Virginia Prep team that helped limit opponents to just 14.8 points per game.
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Hicks got his coaching start at Roanoke City Public Schools serving as the varsity coach from 2013-17 working with position groups all over the field.
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He was a four-year letter-winner and starter for the University of Illinois at cornerback from 2006-09. He lined up in 47 career games and posted 143 tackles, three interceptions, 19 passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
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Hicks graduated with a Bachelor in Sports Communications degree from the University of Illinois in 2010.
