Hickman Finding His Groove

If UCLA’s Justin Hickman were taller and a little heavier, his reputation around the country probably would rank with those of Nebraska’s Adam Carriker and Miami’s Baraka Atkins, who are considered college football’s top senior NFL defensive end prospects.

But Hickman is 6 feet 2 and 263 pounds, too small to get draft experts excited.

That’s their loss, according to Hickman, whose calling card is a combination of quickness and toughness.

“Fans are always welcome to have their opinions, but I know how I play,” said Hickman, who had a solid junior season with 31 tackles, including 5 1/2 sacks and eight for losses.

After being a mainstay on a defensive line that struggled with consistency, Hickman said he expects a big season with more healthy bodies to help.

“You’re always looking for more,” Hickman said. “I want double numbers from last year.... I don’t think there’s anyone out there who can block me one on one. But that’s just me. That’s how I feel, and I’m ready to go out and show it.”

First-year defensive line coach Todd Howard plans to use a rotation of linemen, which is fine with Hickman -- just as long as he rests only when he’s tired.

“I would prefer to be out there all of the time but I understand what Coach is doing,” Hickman said. “He wants us to play hard all of the time, which is what I do anyway. It’s just good to know that we have guys who can step in.”

Howard, who coached with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL last season, has been impressed with Hickman’s professionalism throughout camp.

“He has a very high football IQ,” Howard said. “He’s one of my main guys who have been playing really solid.”

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With UCLA’s Sept. 2 opener against Utah fast approaching, the Bruins face the challenge of trying to duplicate the Utes’ spread offense with a limited number of available skill-position players.

UCLA held a mock game at the Rose Bowl on Thursday and will start one-a-day workouts at Spaulding Field today.