Football
Brett Hickman
Co-Defensive Coordinator/LinebackersAlma Mater: East Carolina University '09
E-mail: Brett.Hickman@ngu.edu
Office Phone: 864-977-7117
Brett Hickman is entering his fourth season at NGU and his first as the program’s Co-Defensive Coordinator. In addition to his administrative duties, Hickman will also coach the four linebackers in the Crusaders’ aggressive multiple front defense.
During his time at NGU, Hickman has seen the program transition from NCAA Division II newcomer to one of the Super Regions Two’s prominent programs. The 2011 season for NGU is the greatest in school history to date as the Crusaders won a school-record eleven games and advanced to the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals for the first time in school history.
As the program’s Special Teams Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach, Hickman helped lead the Crusaders to top statistical rankings in multiple Special Teams and Defensive Categories.
#1 in the Nation in Punt Coverage (2011 and 2010)
Two Top 20 Finishes in Kickoff Coverage (#15 in 2009, #20 in 2009)
Three Top 25 Rankings in Punt Return (#3 in 2009, #23 in 2010, and #19 in 2011)
#18 in the Nation in Scoring Defense (2011)
#19 in the Nation in Passing Efficiency Defense (2011)
#22 in the Nation in Rushing Defense (2010)
Hickman’s “Special Forces” defensive units never shone brighter than down the stretch of the 2011 campaign as they had three punt returns of forty plus yards in the last six games and scored three special teams touchdowns. This included both a kickoff return and a punt return in the Crusaders’ first round playoff game vs. perennial Division II playoff participant, Albany State. All in all, the Crusaders scored nine special teams touchdowns and blocked twenty-two kicks over the course of the last three seasons.
In addition, Hickman oversaw the development of Carl Dukes and Nathan Batchelor during their time as Crusaders. Batchelor became one of the program’s most accomplished players as he was twice voted the team’s Defensive MVP by his peers and recognized as one of the top linebackers in Division II by multiple publications.
Prior to arriving in Tigerville, Hickman served as an undergraduate assistant for two years and one year as a Quality Control Defensive Coach for Skip Holtz at East Carolina University. During his time at ECU, Hickman worked alongside Florida State Associate Head Coach Greg Hudson and helped coach both the linebackers and defensive backs . In addition, he also led the Pirate Offensive Scout Teams.
Also, the Pirates played in three bowl games (2006 PapaJohns.com, 2007 Hawaii’, 2008 Liberty) and won the 2008 Conference USA Championship while Hickman was in Greenville, NC.
Coaching runs in Hickman’s blood as his father, Richard “Yogi” Hickman is a retired high school coach in southeastern North Carolina. The elder Hickman won over eighty percent of his games and accumulated ten league championships over the course of a celebrated career.
Hickman graduated with a degree in history from ECU. He is married to the former Sara Veale of Cary, NC. and lives in Greenville, SC.
Coach McCray on Brett Hickman ...”We are very excited to have Brett remain with us at North Greenville. He has a high energy level, a passion for our student-athletes on and off the field, and a strong commitment to playing great defense. His familiarity with North Greenville and the mission of the school is invaluable.”
