After taking in the day and looking back through my notes from the Lake Show, I believe Max might have ended the day as my MVP of the OL group. He looks the part of an OL ready to push his frame to the next level. Long limbs with a powerful frame that is ready to add muscle from a college lifting program. When the pads came on is when Hicks truly separated himself. Whether it was his quick feet and natural flexibility through bags or his dominance in 1 on 1s Max was standing out from the crowd. The strength he plays with is some of the best in the group too. Right from his initial contact you see that overwhelming power that got DL off balance instantly on several occasions. Once Max gets any bit of momentum going you can consider the rep won for the Appleton North OL. He is big, athletic, and violent, and it has made Maxwell one of the best available incoming senior OL among the uncommitted talent.

The last time I was able to see Max in person was during his strong showing at the Whitewater Mega Camp last summer. Since then we have seen Max go on to earn offers from Drake, Winona State, and Sioux Falls. With camp season just about to start I have a feeling that strong initial wave is just the start for the impressive 6’5″ 270 lbs 2027 OL. To put it simply, the starting left guard for Appleton North is an absolute bully in the trenches. His size, range, and the momentum he is able to create with that pairing has produced a highlight reel loaded with examples of his next level power. Max has a very effective blend of athleticism and power that gives him such an advantage in the trenches and should set him up for a fantastic summer of camps. I think Max is on the verge of a huge summer and I hope I get to see it unfold live.

Max spent 2024 on the JV field, but after watching him in person this summer I am confident we see him work his way to a varsity job this season. On the JV field it was borderline unfair. Even at 265 lbs, Max was so quick, explosive, and violent out of his stance. That quickly got DL off balance and usually on their back. Hicks turns that burst into violent power so quickly in the run game and it opened up a lot of holes for his RBs. At camps this summer Max showed that he could also play with a low pad level and utilize leverage with that quickness and power. I’m anticipating a big year for Max.