Michigan State promotes Darius Hicks to director of scouting

Michigan State defensive analyst Darius Hicks has been promoted to director of scouting, sources confirmed to SpartanMag.com. Hicks joined the Spartan coaching staff this spring after spending spending one season with Southeast Missouri State University.

During the spring, Hicks worked closely with Michigan State secondary coach Harlon Barnett and cornerbacks coach Jim Salgado. His roles as an analyst included transfer portal evaluations and recruiting.

Hicks impressed in his role as an analyst. Michigan State executive director of player personnel Mark Diethorn and recruiting took notice promoting Hicks to director of scouting.

Hicks joined the Southeast Missouri State coaching staff after spending the previous four seasons at his alma mater, Morningside University. He held numerous roles during his time at Morningside including defensive backs coach, special teams coordinator, and student coach.

The former defensive back earned All-Great Plains Conference honors his senior season. Morningside were National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA) runner-ups during his junior campaign.

Hicks also spent time at Division II Emporia University where he was cornerbacks coach and assistant special teams coordinator.

Hicks joins a rapidly expanding Michigan State recruiting department as Diethorn continues to build his staff. Since his hiring, Diethorn has added assistant director of player personnel Sam Kukura, director of on-campus recruiting Jenna Learn, and director of recruiting operations Tyler Johnson.

The Spartans have also added creative director Derek Blalock and two assistant creative directors – Dylan Gray and Matt Whipple – to their support staff.

The promotion of Hicks to director of scouting leaves an opening at analyst if the Spartans choose to fill the role. Graduate student Bo Els also works closely with the secondary.

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