by Shawn Nowlin
Dere Hicks, a former William Fleming High standout and University of Illinois cornerback, is spending part of his offseason giving back to his roots.
On July 13 and July 20, Hicks will be hosting a football camp at Roanoke College. When youth participate in the opportunity, they will be learning from a four-year starter in the Big Ten who has coached at five FCS schools and worked with several NFL players from rookies to veterans.
“Home is where the heart is,” Hicks wrote on social media. “I am excited to help the next generation perfect their craft and reach their full potential, in sports and life.”
An all-state performer at Fleming, Hicks rushed for over 850 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and lettered in track and basketball. Before committing to Illinois, the son of Robert Vineyard and Sharon Hicks considered offers from Connecticut, Michigan State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia.
Some of the Colonels’ most exciting football years came when Hicks was in uniform. Playing for head coach Keith Smith mentally prepared him for the demands that Illinois head coach Ron Cook put on his student-athletes.
Hicks’ went 19 and 30 over his four-year career. While the National Football League (NFL) didn’t call his name in 2010, Hicks entered the real world with a Bachelor in Sports Communications degree and strong alumni connections.
In 2013, Hicks got his coaching start at Roanoke City Public Schools, serving as a varsity coach that worked with various position groups.
When he joined the Indiana State University coaching staff in February 2022, ISU knew they were getting a battle-tested commodity who previously coached at Virginia University of Lynchburg and Savannah State University, alma mater of NFL legend Shannon Sharpe.
Under Hicks’ tutelage, SSU defensive backs ranked third nationally in overall interceptions (14) and fifth in defense.
In 2019, Hicks was hired to serve as a recruiting coordinator for the Virginia Prep Sports Academy. This opportunity allowed him to highlight athletes all throughout the southeast, especially Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.
Seeing him out there and giving back to the kids brings his family much joy, especially his mother. “I loved watching him grow to become the athlete that people see today. Experiencing Dere as a coach has been amazing. I am so proud of him for never giving up on his dreams, but I am more proud of the person he’s become,” Sharon said.
Interested individuals are encouraged to send an email to [email protected] for additional information about the football camp.
Perhaps one of the campers will go on to attend the University of Illinois one day and be the reason they win a national championship.
