Strengths

• Tougher between the tackles than many expect. Fluid and quick drop into zone, covers enough ground to be Tampa-2 "MIKE" and knows where the markers are.
• Reads the quarterback to anticipate and is a candidate to play outside.
• A bit stiff but makes the clean open-field tackle. Good effort in pursuit.
• Quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past blockers and finish. Experienced in coverage and gets a strong jam on outside receivers.
• Intelligent player who can play "MIKE" linebacker despite his lack of size because of his instincts and ability to find the ball in traffic.

Weaknesses

• Has lean limbs and needs to get stronger and add bulk to his frame.
• Doesn't have enough speed, power or bulk to fit any LB position perfectly in the NFL.
• Loses size battle to many tight ends and is easily pushed away on out routes.
• Must work on using violent hands and defeating cut blocks. Also needs to build a variety of pass-rush moves.
• Inconsistent hustle. Only adequate change-of-direction ability. Also loses his balance too often in the open field. Lacks size to bull rush stronger tackles.

Clarence Hicks percentiles vs other Linebacker's (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)