For the second straight year, South Putnam tight end Matt Hicks has been named to the Associated Press Indiana All-State football team

For the second straight year, South Putnam tight end Matt Hicks has been named to the Associated Press Indiana All-State football team.

Hicks had 33 receptions for 733 yards, averaging 22.2 yards per reception this season. He averaged 61.1 yards receiving per game, scoring seven touchdowns on the season.

Hicks also carried the ball eight times for 46 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.

"A lot of time when you look at passing, you focus on your receivers," South Putnam Coach Mark Wildman said. "It's really another dimension to have a tight end that can score anywhere on the field."

The Eagles were 7-5 on the season, advancing to the championship game of the sectional tournament against Tri-West. After starting the season 0-2, the Eagles went on to win seven of their last 10 games of the season.

In his senior season, Hicks went out with a bang, playing in all facets of the game. Not only did he lead the team in receiving, he also led the team in tackles at the linebacker position totaling 38 solo tackles, 108 assists and nine sacks. He was also the team punter, averaging 31.6 yards on 25 punts, and kicker, hitting 27 extra points and a field goal on the season.

"He did a lot," Wildman said. "He didn't get to come off the field much. In 2A like we are, if you have somebody like that, you have to play him both ways."

Hicks also earned All-State honors last season, after catching 36 passes for 597 yards and five touchdowns.

"That's the rare thing," Wildman said. "This is his second year, which is really an accomplishment."

As for what lies in the future, Wildman said Hicks has some choices to make. Although he could play football at the collegiate level, as a three-sport athlete, Hicks might also play basketball or baseball at the next level.

"He's got a lot of options right now," Wildman said. "He's good enough to school be accepted which is the first step. But then he's got a couple of different sports that he could play.

"There are places he can play, and there are places that would love to have him," Wildman added.