Justin Hickman
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Career Summary
Justin Hickman was a UCLA defensive end, CFL standout and Indianapolis Colts linebacker who later moved into football scouting.
Justin Hickman built his playing career from UCLA to the CFL and NFL, including time with the Indianapolis Colts. He later entered player personnel and scouting work.
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Early Life
Hickman was born in El Paso, Texas and grew up in Glendale, Arizona.
The Patriots media guide states that Hickman was born in El Paso, Texas, and grew up in Glendale, Arizona.
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High School
Hickman played on both lines and won a regional championship at St. Mary's High School.
At St. Mary's High School in Phoenix, Hickman played defensive end and offensive guard. UCLA reported that his team won the Desert Valley Region championship in his senior season and that he earned first-team regional honors on defense.
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College Career
Hickman became a three-year UCLA defensive-end starter after beginning at Glendale Community College.
Hickman recorded 60 tackles and 10 sacks at Glendale Community College in 2003 before joining UCLA. The Patriots biography credits him with 95 tackles, 19.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss in 35 games across three UCLA seasons.
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Path to the NFL
Hickman signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent in 2007 before continuing his professional career in the CFL.
The Patriots biography says Hickman signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent in April 2007 and was released before the regular season. He joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2009.
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NFL Career
Hickman played 12 games for Indianapolis in 2012 after signing with the Colts as a free agent.
Indianapolis signed Hickman as a free agent in February 2012. The Patriots' Colts-era bio lists 12 games played, 14 tackles and three special-teams tackles during that season.
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Career Accomplishments
Hickman earned consensus All-America honors at UCLA and was a CFL All-Star with Hamilton.
UCLA records Hickman as a consensus All-American and first-team All-Pac-10 selection in 2006. In 2011 with Hamilton, the Patriots bio says he was an East Division and CFL All-Star after tying for the league lead with 13 sacks.
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Playing Style
Hickman was an explosive edge defender whose college production came through quarterback pressure and disruption.
UCLA described Hickman as an explosive defensive end with quickness and strength. As a senior, he recorded 12.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, leading the Pac-10 in tackles for loss.
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Legacy
Hickman's playing background informed a transition into NFL scouting and personnel work.
The Patriots described Hickman's scouting career as following a playing career across the NFL and CFL. Before joining New England, he held personnel roles with the Tampa Bay Vipers and Orlando Apollos and scouted for Toronto.
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Post-Career
After playing, Hickman worked in football personnel and earned a master's degree in sports administration.
The Patriots media guide states that Hickman completed a master's degree in sports administration at Wayne State University and joined the Patriots after scouting and personnel work in professional football.
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23398, 00-0024582, 1985-07-20, Justin Hickman, Justin, Hickman
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