Player Bio
Wicks was a four-star recruit but did not receive a scholarship offer from an ACC school until a month before signing day. The second-team all-district receiver/quarterback from Plaquemine High School in Louisiana picked one of those offers, coming to Virginia for 2019 (3-61-20.3, one TD in 10 games). Wicks suffered a season-ending foot injury in 2020 preseason camp but bounced back to garner first-team All-ACC honors in 2021, ranking fifth in the FBS with 21.1 yards per catch and breaking former NFL receiver Herman Moore's single-season school record with 1,203 receiving yards (57 receptions, nine scores in 12 games, 11 starts). Wicks started eight games in 2022 (30-430-14.3, two TDs), with an injury forcing him to miss two. Virginia's final two games were canceled after a shooting that resulted in the death of three Cavalier players in November. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
Wicks proved in 2021 that he has a set of skills to threaten defenses with big-play potential, but he’s coming off a disappointing 2022 season. Focus drops have been an issue for him over the last two seasons, but they seemed to impact his overall confidence in 2022. He lacks attention to detail as a route runner but it is worth noting that he finds ways to separate with instincts and pure athleticism. Wicks has talent to cultivate, but gaining the confidence of a GM, head coach or quarterback must start with catching the football more consistently.Strengths
- Gained 20-plus yards on nearly half of his receptions (27 of 57) in 2021.
- Speed and stride changes create uncertainty for defenders.
- Able to make sharp, unorthodox cuts to stymie coverage.
- Quality acceleration out of route stems and fakes.
- Changes downfield pace according to ball flight when tracking.
- Able to bounce high and grab high-point catches.
- Elusiveness leads to big run-after-catch opportunities.
Weaknesses
- Challenging 2022 season with huge drop in production.
- Routes lack attention to detail.
- Dropped 14 passes over the last two seasons, per PFF.
- Below average concentration and hand-eye coordination.
- Inconsistent in attacking the football when contested.
- Allows defender to play through him toward the football.
