Hicks has significantly raised his stock in conjunction with quarterback Cole Hough Cole Hough 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Palisades | 2027 State NC at Palisades. The senior is a crisp route runner with soft hands, the type of receiver who can be a quarterback’s best friend. He’s thriving against top competition, and a seven-catch night against Chambers stands out as a needle-mover in our evaluation process.

Riley was the leading receiver for the Pumas in this game, and he did a great job of executing his route running. Riley was able to create separation with his speed and footwork, and he has a great relationship in navigating the scramble drill with his quarterback – there were at least two catches he made to keep drives alive. He’s developed even more this season, and he’s more polished as a player. Impressive.

Coming over from Ashbrook High School, Riley is an athletic and fast receiver that defenses need to account for at all times. Riley does a really good job of winning down the field against single coverage, as he made a number of big plays last season in helping the Green Wave make a deep run in the state playoffs. Whenever you have a playoff-tested player join a talented group, it’s bound to make a big impact. I’m excited to see how Riley continues to develop in a new offensive attack.

Riley provides balance to a powerful Green Wave running game with electric speed on the outside in the passing game. Riley shows he can win against corners and safeties in 1 on 1 coverage, something that he sees a good bit with the way defenses play against Ashbrook. I think Riley can be successful on the outside or even in the slot on the next level, because there’s a lot of room to grow his game. The routes that Riley runs on a regular basis on his highlights are good, and he shows good technique in closing the cushion on corners and stacking them to win deep passes down the field. I’m interested to see how well Riley takes coaching in a showcase setting and can apply those things. If he shows well, he should start to gain some college interest this offseason.

Hicks has positional versatility, as he can play multiple spots on the offense. He’s best used as a shifty gadget guy, racking up yards after the catch on screens and jet sweeps. That’s where his running back skillset comes in, as he gets downhill in a hurry and picks up positive yardage on a consistent basis. Let’s see how he develops as a complete route-runner, because I like his game.