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Ohio State blows out Indiana, 38-15. Now, it's time to do the same to That Team Up North.
Ronnie Hickman didn't hear his name called at the 2023 NFL Draft, but he made sure his name was called multiple times on Friday night.
After a quiet night in the Hall of Fame Game just over a week ago, the former Ohio State safety took advantage of an increased role for the Cleveland Browns Friday night.
Hickman notched two interceptions – the only two turnovers forced by the Browns' defense – against the Washington Commanders in their second game of the preseason.
Make that two interceptions for Ronnie Hickman tonight. pic.twitter.com/e8J2pINCY9
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) August 12, 2023
On the second interception, Hickman read the receiver's route and followed the quarterback's eyes, leading to the second turnover of the night and halting Washington's drive inside the red zone, keeping the Browns in the game in the fourth quarter.
“I knew I was close to the end zone, so I didn’t want to back up too much," he said after the game. "I felt the breaking route, was able to lock eyes with the quarterback and kind of saw him staring at it. I just went to go make a play on the ball and was fortunate enough to come down with it.”
Having that type of performance didn't come as a surprise to Hickman. After a four-year career at Ohio State, he joined a Cleveland defense that has plenty of veterans in the defensive secondary. Being able to learn from safeties Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill and Rodney McLeod – the latter two of which signed with Browns this offseason – has been a blessing for the rookie throughout his first training camp.
“Luckily, I walked into a room with a lot of veterans, so just trying to be a sponge to those guys and learn as much as I can," Hickman said.
Signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent, the 21-year-old was expected to be a depth piece for Cleveland throughout the preseason. He looked like more on Friday, when he played 74% of the team’s defensive snaps (led the team) and 57% of their special teams snaps (second-most).
Although he didn't get drafted, Hickman showcased his explosive downhill burst, playmaking ability and range in the defensive backfield throughout his time as a Buckeye, including a career-best eight pass breakups and an interception while patrolling the back end of the defense at free safety in 2022. In his second NFL game, preseason or not, he showed that his skill set translates to the highest level.
