What I Hear: Jesuit names new football coach

Offensive coordinator Brandon Hickman has been named new head football coach at Jesuit College Preparatory in Dallas.

Jesuit had more than 100 applicants and narrowed to 12 before deciding on Hickman.

"Having worked with Brandon for several years, I am convinced that he uniquely combines a dedication and knowledge of football with an understanding of the mission of the school," Jesuit athletic director Steve Koch said.

Hickman played on the offensive line at TCU during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, where he was received the "Most Conscientious Player Award" and helped bring the team a Southwest Conference Championship in his second season.

His coaching career began at TCU, where he served as a student coach in 1995, then went on to include stops at North Garland and Richardson Pearce.

Hickman is known for treating players with respect and instilling discipline and has long been thought the logical successor to retiring coach Bob Wunderlick, who guided Jesuit's successful transition from private school competition into UIL Class 5A competition.

"I am especially pleased to have this opportunity to build upon the strong foundation at Jesuit, where the strong community and work ethic of the players are evident," Hickman said. "I appreciate the unity of the coaches, faculty, staff and parents behind the mission of the school, which is the formation of men for others. My family and I feel blessed to be part of this community."

What I Hear:

Cameron Yoe head coach Rick Rhoades and Del Valle's Dan Hernandez (former Bastrop DC) are among top contenders for the opening at Cedar Park to replace Mike Ferrell, who resigned in February after being placed on paid administrative leave in January.

Rhoades (at Bastrop Middle School in 1982-83) led Yoe to the Class 2010 2A-Division I final. Hernandez was at Bastrop 13 years before leaving for Del Valle in 2009.

According to bastropadvertiser.com, the ISD will name a coach later in March.

Update

Jack Rhoades quarterbacked Yoe to its first state final since 1981 and was named the Centex Offensive Player of the Year by wacobrib.com and plans to attend Texas A&M. It's unlikely, but Rhoades may try a walk-on attempt... Parish Episcopal School in Dallas won its first TAPPS state title in five years but the program already has DE Eric Humphrey at Oklahoma, Air Force's Cecilio Carter and DB Andre Brackens at Rice.

The '11 Class adds Arizona signee Rob Hankins, Yale signee Charles Cook with Brandon January, John Mark Johnsonattending Kenyon College, Tanner Wells to Lake Erie and David Van Amburgh to Austin College...More than $850,000 in scholarships according to Parish coach Scott Nady.

Camp to Watch: Most of Texas' top Class of '12 and '13 will be showcased at the NIKE Invite Camp at TCU on April 10.