HBCU Football: Geremy Hickbottom lands at Tennessee State

When former quarterback Geremy Hickbottom left Grambling State and HBCU football, his transfer to Bethune-Cookman was a done deal. “Blessed to say that I will be committing to the great Bethune-Cookman University to finish my last year of football,” Hickbottom tweeted back in April.

Things have changed for the Alabama native. Hickbottom has switched his commitment from Bethune-Cookman to Tennessee State.

Hickbottom wrote this on his Twitter, “First giving honor to God, my family and friends and who all help me along the way with my recruiting process. With that being said, I will be switching commitments and joining Tennessee State for my last year of eligibility.”

The move to Nashville is a prudent one for Hickbottom. NFL Hall of Famer Eddie George took over the TSU program a month and a half ago, hiring former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.

What was Hickbottom’s motivation for switching his committment? The prospect being coached by former NFL coaches. Hickbottom told HBCU Gameday, “Just feel like that’s my best move being taught by NFL coaches. You can’t get that everywhere.”

Whether Hickbottom is an NFL prospect remains to be seen, but the NFL traits are there. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Hickbottom has prototypical size. In addition to size, Hickbottom is a plus athlete who is dangerous both throwing and running.

It is possible with Jackson’s coaching and additional exposure via the HBCU combine sponsored by the Senior Bowl and the NFL, Hickbottom has a path to the NFL. A great senior year at Tennessee State and solid coaching coupled with a good showing at the combine could be the ticket for Hickbottom.

Hickbottom’s journey begins against Grambling State, his former school. TSU and Grambling meet in the Black College Football Hall of Fame game on Sept. 5.