Ohio State Safety Ronnie Hickman Planning To Enter NFL Draft Following This Season

Ohio State redshirt junior safety Ronnie Hickman revealed Tuesday that he plans to enter his name into the NFL Draft following this season’s conclusion, and that this upcoming Saturday will be his final home game at Ohio Stadium.

“That’s going to be my last game in the Shoe, so I’m going to cherish and enjoy it the best I can,” Hickman said. “Everyone’s clock starts ticking at a certain point. At some point, it’s going to be time for everyone to take that next step, and I think that’s now.”

This is Hickman’s fourth season at Ohio State, and he’s been a standout this year in the “Adjuster” role under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles after starting for the Buckeyes last season. Through 11 games, the South Orange, N.J., native is fourth on the team in tackles with 48 (with 22 solo) and has an interception in addition to five pass breakups.

Hickman is one of 23 members of the team that will go through Senior Day festivities on Saturday. He has two years of eligibility remaining had he decided to use them, but will instead call it a career once this season has concluded. His final home game will be a notable one, as the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes will host No. 3 Michigan in an undefeated matchup in an attempt to avenge last year’s loss to the Wolverines.