Jeremy Hickey
Offensive Guard
Eastern Michigan
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Jeremy Hickey: Height – 6’4, weight – 310 lbs and 40-yard dash is 5.2.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Jeremy Hickey: Total Performance in Wixom Michigan with Jim Kielbaso.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Jeremy Hickey: Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Southern Illinois, Michigan State, Utah, Old Dominion, Minnesota and Bowling Green.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Eastern Michigan?
Jeremy Hickey: I chose Eastern Michigan because of head coach Chris Creighton. He reminded me of Al Fracassa, my high school hall of fame coach. He wanted to create more than better football players, he wanted to create better men. I also liked the challenge of helping build a program there.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Jeremy Hickey: Strengths – footwork, intelligence and agility.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Jeremy Hickey: Run block technique and become better at putting myself in the best position to make the block.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Jeremy Hickey: In high school and college, my attitude has been to put the team first. I learned this by playing at Brother Rice HS where we won 3 state championships. I committed to Eastern Michigan University knowing we were going to be rebuilding the program. Led by coach Creighton, our senior class worked hard each year to make Eastern a legitimate football program. We leave EMU knowing that because of our hard work and commitment the future is bright, and great things are in store for those who follow.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Jeremy Hickey: The highlight of my football career was our team beating Purdue this past year.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Jeremy Hickey: My proudest accomplishment was being awarded a finalist for the All-State AFCA Good Works team and being selected for the watch list for the The Wuerffel Trophy. Also being a part of a senior class who has worked hard to make Eastern Michigan football a legitimate program.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall experience at the 2019 Tropical Bowl all-star game?
Jeremy Hickey: Participating in the Tropical Bowl was an eye-opening experience and it made me realize that my dream of playing in the NFL is attainable. The Bowl provided exposure for the players to the NFL scouts and presented an opportunity for the athletes to compete at a high level with athletes from all over the country. Mike Quartey has done an amazing job creating this Bowl in Daytona Beach.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you will took away from that all-star weekend?
Jeremy Hickey: That I have the talent to make my dream a reality. I believe my play were consistent with that of the best offensive linemen there. With that said, I recognize that there is still work to be done and have to make the most of this time leading up to the Pro Day.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Jeremy Hickey: What I learned the most from my coaching staff at Eastern Michigan is that the preparation leading into the game and season is just as important as how you perform in a game. We train 365 days a year for 12 to 16 opportunities. The time you spend on those days when you are not in the game is even more important, so that you can play your best in the game.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Jeremy Hickey: My favorite team is my hometown Detroit Lions. I have always been a fan growing up seeing them play at Ford Field.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Jeremy Hickey: My favorite NFL player would have to be T.J. Lang. T.J., who happens to be on my favorite team, went to my high school Brother Rice High School and Eastern Michigan University just like me. The way he plays the game and how he puts himself in the best position to make a play is great to watch. Having spoken to him multiple times, I see that he takes his passion for the game and makes the most of it by having fun and going all out.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Jeremy Hickey: Of course, you want to be powerful and aggressive on the offensive line. But being intelligent is a very important trait. You can be a brawler and pancake every person you go against. If it’s not the right guy to make the play work or you don’t know the play, it doesn’t matter. You have to be smart to make the play.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Jeremy Hickey: Before the ball is snapped, I always check to see where the linebackers are set up. Then check that stance of the DT and DE. If their feet aren’t where they normally are or lined up differently, I can tell that they might do a stunt or slant coming.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Jeremy Hickey: Shaq Vann is a great football player who is a winner. Steve Nielsen, freak of an athlete at 6’9 and running a 5.1 40-yard dash. He has great technique and will make any NFL team very happy for many years especially his quarterback.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Jeremy Hickey: I enjoy the culmination of so much talent coming together to obtain a common goal. The 11 guys on the field all have to want it just as bad to make it work and be great.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Jeremy Hickey: A leader leads by example. They are someone who looks out for their teammates and puts the needs of the team first. They also work at making their teammates better players and people as well.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Jeremy Hickey: I love to cook. One of my favorite channels is the Food Network. I like seeing all the different techniques that are used to cook something that is flavorful and good to eat. The best part of cooking is to hear someone say, wow you made this.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Jeremy Hickey: My life after football is to become a coach and a high school teacher. I want to have a positive impact on the next generation and to see them succeed and be the best they can be. By being a coach and teacher, this will give me the chance to do that.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
