Arlington Martin running back and TCU signee Kyle Hicks said he thought the University of Texas at Austin was his dream school, but after visiting TCU, he had a change of heart.

"It was just a good feeling after my TCU trip," Hicks said. "I saw myself watching more TCU games than anything, and that’s when I just knew TCU was more for me.”

Hicks is a four-star prospect who rushed for 1,685 yards and 28 touchdowns his senior year in nine games. He also saw some action at quarterback, throwing for 458 passing yards and no interceptions.

Hicks verbally committed to play for the Longhorns his junior year, but changed his mind his senior year.

TCU is known for having a solid group of running backs and a two or three back rotation. Following the 2012 campaign, however, TCU lost three running backs–Matthew Tucker and Aundre Dean to graduation and Ed Wesley to an early entry into the NFL.

“I know TCU rotates running backs, and I feel like it will keep my legs fresh and lessen my chances of getting hurt,” Hicks said.

Hicks said his childhood friend and former teammate Devonte Fields was a big reason for Hicks to come to TCU.

“Big Filly [Fields] told me that sometimes your dream school isn’t your best school," Hicks said. 

Fields played football with Hicks at the pee-wee level and later at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas.

Fields started all 13 games as a defensive end for the Horned Frogs in 2012. He was voted the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and was selected to multiple freshman All-American teams.

“It was really one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life,” Hicks said. 

Hicks said he looks forward to playing at TCU with his former pee-wee football and high school teammate Fields but said there is one other thing making him just as excited.

"Having my mother and granny come see me play,” Hicks said with a smile on his face.

Hicks said his family has consistently come to games and practices throughout his high school career. He said he is excited about the possibility of having his family come to his college-level games at TCU as opposed to three-hour drives to Austin.

Hicks will compete with rising senior Waymon James, transfer Aaron Green and rising sophomore B.J. Catalon for a spot in TCU's running back rotation.