Syracuse Football: Former Orange stars hoping for 2nd chance in XFL

Sean Hickey

Offensive tackle Sean Hickey was the first Syracuse player announced to be in the XFL draft pool. The O-lineman started 38 straight games in his collegiate career between 2012-2014.

Hickey left Syracuse to pursue his football prospects on the next level. He began with the New Orleans Saints practice squad but was ultimately released.

In the end, Hickey was signed by six NFL squads but never made a game appearance.

Despite moving around the NFL, Hickey hopes to find a home with one of the XFL’s eight new franchises. The tackle brings durability and strength to whatever team selects him.

For Syracuse, he started in all 38 games that he played. In 2014 Hickey was a third-team All ACC selection.

During his time with the Orange Hickey wasn’t only a force up front for ‘Cuse, but he was regarded as one of the smartest athletes on the squad. Four times Hickey was selected to the athletic director’s honor roll. In 2014 he was selected to the 2014 All-ACC academic team.

In Sean’s last two seasons, he was tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blindside. So he has experience in the most challenging position on the line. In his junior year, he played some right tackle after Justin Pugh returned from injury. During his college career, Hickey showed versatility in either tackle spot.

In high school, Hickey set his school’s record for all-time pancake blocks. Hickey was known for laying out any defender that came in his sight.

We will see if Hickey gets selected on Tuesday night during the O-line phase. Or he could be drafted late on Wednesday during the open stage in the selection process.

Of the eight XFL teams, the closest to Syracuse would be the New York Guardians. Maybe we will see Hickey get a chance to stay close and play in the big apple.