Helmsman reporter Alisa Gardner sits down this week with 6-5, 295-pound Artis Hicks, a senior offensive lineman for The University of Memphis football team last season.
Hicks, a four-year starter at offensive tackle, was one of just two Tigers named to Conference USA’s first team and is hoping to get a chance to play at the next level in the NFL.
AG: What was the best part of playing football at The University of Memphis?
AH: I will always cherish the relationships I had while I was playing. I made a lot of good friends.
AG: What kind of season do you think the Tigers will have next season?
AH: Well, I think the team is going to be better this coming season. They have a lot of talent and a good recruiting class.
AG: How did it feel being recognized as one of the top players in Conference USA?
AH: It felt good because that was one of the goals I had set for myself when I came to college.
AG: What are some of your other goals?
AH: Right now, I just want to play football in the NFL for as long as I can.
AG: Are you excited about the upcoming draft?
AH: Yes, but at the same time I am taking everything in stride. I know I will be nervous the closer it gets to draft time.
AG: What excited you about playing football in the first place?
AH: To dominate the opposition, the guy that I am responsible for. To do what I want to do on the field is what it is about. There is no other feeling in the world like playing in a close game and winning. Even though you are physically and mentally spent, you still feel good.
AG: Do you have any preference about what team you want to play for or where you’d like to live?
AH: No, because I don’t want to get my hopes up.
AG: What was your major, and do you plan to return to school?
AH: My major was business management information systems and I am definitely going back to school. I only have 18 hours left to finish for my degree.
AG: A lot of people think professional athletes should be role models. What are your views about that?
AH: I think having professional athletes as role models can be both good and bad. Sometimes kids don’t have role models in the home so they turn to athletes to look up to. It is just important that people remember that we are human and we make mistakes just like everyone else.
AG: Are there any players in the NFL that you would like to go up against?
AH: Definitely, Javon Kearse from the Tennessee Titans and Michael Strahan, who plays for the New York Giants.
AG: The offensive line seems to play an intricate role on a team, but it doesn’t always get much recognition. What are your thoughts on that?
AH: The offensive line makes the offense run. We just have to go out like we are on center stage. Just blocking for a running back or quarterback who gets a lot of yards is satisfying for me. But of course they better send a shout out or they may have trouble the next time around.
