Ben Hicks, SMU’s all-time leading passer, yesterday announced he’s transferring to Arkansas. He then hopped on “The Call,” a sports talk show in the Waco area where he’s from. Below are excerpts from his first interview since become a Razorback quarterback:
On the transfer process and its similarities to high school recruiting:
Ben Hicks: “When you put your name in that [transfer] portal, it turns into essentially being recruited like you were in high school. I got in contact with Coach [Joe] Craddock and Coach Morris once I put my name in the portal, we just kinda went from there.”
“The [UA] visit went great. I enjoyed seeing them again. I just felt comfortable with my decision once I left. Again, I’m real excited for the opportunity.”
On why he left SMU:
Ben Hicks: “… I just thought it was time for a new opportunity for growth, and a chance to play elsewhere. Continue to grow as a football player and as a young man . I left SMU in a great condition. I still have a great relationship with Coach [Sonny] Dykes and Coach [Rhett] Lashlee, and I still believe in the rest of the staff and players at SMU.”
“I was very fortunate at SMU and I appreciate everything they did for me.”
On how Chad Morris convinced him to come to Arkansas:
Ben Hicks: “… I spent a lot of time talking with him on my visit, just talking with him about my time at SMU and the things he thinks we can do at Arkansas together…”
On how he’s changed since his record-setting days at Waco’s Midway High School through today:
Ben Hicks: “… I’ve just grown a lot, become a much more mature young man. I think SMU and all the people I’ve come across there have a lot to do with that…”
On how quickly he can move to Fayetteville:
Ben Hicks: “I’m trying to get there as soon as possible. I’ve got some things to take care of as far as living arrangements, and officially getting into class … I’m trying to get up there as quickly as possible so I can get to work with the new team and get to know those guys.”
The above excerpts are from a five-minute interview with David Smoak and Paul Catalina. Listen to it in its glorious entirety below:
Read what Hicks had to say this morning, as well: