by Skylar Kalb
Southlake Carroll Dragon fans are looking for big thingsbrfrom junior cornerback RJ Mickens this season.
The versatile prospect is a four-star recruit at cornerback,brand was named to the AP Class 6A second-team all-state selection after hisbrsophomore season in 2017. He is also ranked fifth in the 2020 top footballbrrecruits in Texas, as well as first team all-district defensive selection afterbrhis freshman season.
Dec. 2 - RJ Mickens (#10) crosses the goal line after a 68-yard interception and touchdown in the Dragons 28-24 victory over Arlington at The Star in Frisco. Photo by S.Johnson/SnappedDragons.com
Dec. 2 - RJ Mickens (#10) crosses the goal line after a 68-yard interception and touchdown in the Dragons 28-24 victory over Arlington at The Star in Frisco. Photo by S.Johnson/SnappedDragons.com
You may say his talent comes naturally, or even that it runs in the family,bras he is following in the footsteps of father Ray Mickens, who is a formerbrTexas A&M and NFL cornerback primarily with the NY Jets. Mickens has his father'sbrspeed and great technique on both sides of the ball. The 6'1", 188 lb Mickensbrhas been to known to play anything from wide receiver to safety and even returnbrpunts.
In his sophomore season, Mickens was nothing but impressive, totaling 99 tackles and two interceptions while knocking down 13 passes. Mickensbralso came up big on offense during the playoffs when the team needed him thebrmost. As a receiver, he caught 14brreception for 298 yards and nine touchdowns— averaging and outstanding 21 yardsbrper reception.
His jaw-dropping stats have not gone unnoticed, as the lastbrtwo CFB national champions have offered him scholarships- the Alabama Crimson Tidebrand the Clemson Tigers. Overall, Mickens has 27 offers from prestigiousbrinstitutions and top programs nationwide, including four in state: Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor and the University of Houston.
Mickens has also committed to participate in the 2020 UnderbrArmor All-American game, where he will face off against other top prospectsbrboth from the state of Texas and around the country.