PORT GIBSON — When a recruit is deciding between colleges, the pick is typically challenging. Yet for Port Gibson High School senior football standout D’Marious Hicks, the choice was easy.

“Three days after I received the offer, I told the coaches I was all in,” Hicks said.

The offer was Alcorn State University.

Hicks decided he wanted to be a Brave on June 9 and officially announced his commitment on his Twitter account on Tuesday.

Hicks — who received interest from the University of Southern Mississippi, Ole Miss and Mississippi State University — said he decided to commit to Alcorn because of family reasons. That wasn’t the only reason, however, as Hicks has dreamt about being a Brave ever since he was little.

“It was great, especially coming from Port Gibson,” Hicks said. “I really wanted to attend Alcorn. I grew up 15 minutes away. I grew up attending games. It’s just something I wanted to do ever since I was young. So I got the opportunity to do so, and I wasted no time committing.

“Alcorn is my dream school.”

While Hicks’ athletic ability caught the eye of college coaches in Mississippi, he started to attract the attention of coaches around the country, as he is ranked as the No. 36 prospect in Mississippi according to 247Sports.

During his junior year, Hicks started at quarterback and returned kickoffs and punts for the Blue Waves, leading them to their first winning record since 2012 (9-4) and to the third round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs for the first time since 1988.

As a quarterback, Hicks threw for 800 yards (29-of-71 passing) with 11 scores and ran for 1,087 yards on 92 carries (11.8 yards per carry). He caught 12 passes for 244 yards as well. Hicks had 21 total touchdowns.

As a returner, Hicks also had five kickoff returns for a 25-yard average and three punt returns for an 18.3-yard average.

Although Hicks played quarterback at Port Gibson, once he steps onto Alcorn’s campus, he is expected to play slot receiver.

“As an athlete, I feel like I can play every skill position on the field,” Hicks said. “But I believe I will play slot receiver and become a return man.”

Hicks said he will get to showcase his 4.5 40-second time better at receiver and as a returner.

With his college recruitment over, Hicks said he can focus on preparing himself for his last season with the Blue Waves. Yet, some people around Hicks have questioned his commitment.

“I had people telling me I shouldn’t have done it,” Hicks said. “But I made a decision off of how I felt.”

Hicks said he felt his commitment will allow his family to see him play out his dream.

“It’s exciting man,” Hicks said. “Knowing that they will be able to make every game, I just can’t put it into words. I’m just happy that they can attend games at Alcorn and be there to watch someone that they are proud of.”

In his final year, Hicks said he thinks there is still training to be done.

Yet, Hicks is ready to work. Not only for his senior season, but also to become a Brave.