Dec. 14, 2011
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By Eric DeSalvo
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After a monstrous 2011 campaign for the UCF baseball team, two-way player D.J. Hicks was honored by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Tuesday by being named to the preseason All-America Third Team. This is the first time a Knight has been tabbed to a preseason All-America list.
The Altamonte Springs native was selected to the utility spot after leading the squad with a .351 batting average while also appearing in 12 games out of the bullpen.
At the conclusion of the 2011 season that saw the Knights reach postseason play for the first time since 2004, Hicks earned a slot on the NCBWA All-America Third Team and was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy which is handed out to the nation's top player.
Slotted to play first base on a regular basis in 2012, Hicks will look to continue his hitting prowess in the middle of the UCF lineup. Last year, the slugger smashed 14 home runs, 11 doubles and drove in 66 RBI to go along with his impressive .351 batting average.
On the mound, Hicks appeared in 12 games and amassed a 2-1 record while striking out 14 batters in 12.1 innings.
Hicks and the rest of his teammates will return to campus in January as they prepare for the 2012 season which will see them host 38 games, including Florida State, Miami and USF, in the newly renovated UCF baseball complex. Season tickets are now available by calling the UCF ticket office at (407) 823-1000, or visiting UCFAthletics.com.