Head Coach Brandon Hickman

BRANDON HICKMAN • HEAD VARSITY COACH • OFFENSIVE LINE

Coach Hickman is entering his 11th season at the helm for the Rangers, and his 16th year overall with the Jesuit Dallas football program. Born and raised in Houston, Hickman played college football at Texas Christian University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.

Hickman secured his 10th playoff berth since taking over the Ranger program last season, as Jesuit finished 2020 with a 7-4 record, including a 7-1 run through District 7-6A. All-State pick Robert Fitzgerald ’22 was named the District Defensive Most Valuable Player, and Hunter Krepp ’22 capped an explosive debut season by earning District Offensive Newcomer of the Year.

The 2019 campaign saw Hickman lead one of the most dramatic turnaround seasons in Texas history as Jesuit finished the year with a 6-4 regular season record and upset reigning state champion Longview, 27-25, in the UIL Area Round. Led by Under Armour All-American EJ Smith ‘20, the Rangers saw 19 members of the team land on the all-district team, including Smith and Branson Hickman ’20, who were named unanimous first team selections.

In 2017, the Rangers clinched the bi-district title with a 79-55 win over Lakeview Centennial on Nov. 17, setting a new program scoring record in the process. Hickman coached three all-state selections in Fletcher Rosenbleeth ‘18, Parker Towns ‘18 and E.J. Smith ‘20 while posting an 8-5 overall mark and 7-1 record in district. Smith additionally earned MaxPreps Sophomore All-American and Dallas Morning News Newcomer of the Year honors to conclude an outstanding season.

A 7-0 run through District 9-6A awarded Jesuit Dallas its second consecutive district championship in 2016. Key home wins over Coppell (41-10) and Skyline (53-12) set the tone as the Rangers improved their district winning streak to 15 games dating back to 2014. Jesuit closed the season with a slew of major district awards, as Jacob Palisch ’17 earned District Player of the Year honors, Andrew Miskell ’17 was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player and Evan Jackson ’17 picked up Most Valuable Offensive Player plaudits. In total, 21 members of the Blue and Gold earned spots on the all-district team.

In 2015, Hickman led the Rangers to their first district title since 2004 in a season highlighted by a 24-21 win over Skyline on Oct. 2 that snapped the Raiders’ 49-game district winning streak.

At TCU, Hickman was an All-Southwest Conference Team selection at offensive tackle. He earned the Most Conscientious Award during his senior season, helping TCU clinch a share of the SWC Championship with a 7-4 record and play in the 1994 Independence Bowl. Hickman first arrived at Jesuit in 2001, coaching the offensive line while serving as the team’s strength and conditioning coach.

After a five-year stint with the Blue and Gold, Hickman became an offensive coordinator in the public school system before returning to Jesuit in 2010, becoming the ninth head coach in program history.

“The students, administration, faculty and alumni make Jesuit a very special place,” commented Hickman. “Jesuit is unique in both everything it stands for and in the way it develops young men.”

Coach Hickman has been married to his wife, Amy, for 22 years. They live in McKinney with their son Branson, who is a sophomore football player at Southern Methodist University, and their 14-year old daughter Avery. The Hickmans are members of Saint Jude’s Catholic Community in Allen.

MAJOR UIL DISTRICT AWARD WINNERS UNDER COACH HICKMAN

2020 Robert Fitzgerald ’22 2020 Hunter Krepp ’22 2019 E.J. Smith ’20 2017 E.J. Smith ’20 2016 Evan Jackson ’17 2016 Andrew Miskell ’17 2016 Jacob Palisch ’17 2015 Ryan Brooks ’16 2015 Jacob Palisch ’17 Defensive MVP Offensive Newcomer Offensive MVP Newcomer of the Year Offensive MVP Defensive MVP Player of the Year Co-Defensive MVP Most Valuable Player 2015 John Michael Priddy ’16 Defensive Newcomer 2014 Bo Schneider ’15 Offensive MVP 2013 Bo Schneider ’15 Offensive MVP 2012 Jake Oliver ’13 Offensive MVP 2012 J.D. Waggoner ’13 Defensive MVP 2012 Orion Salters ’14 Offensive Newcomer 2011 Jake Oliver ’13 Offensive MVP 2011 Garrett Van de Ven ’13 Offensive Newcomer