REGINA – University of Regina Rams defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was selected by the Omaha Nighthawks on Monday night in the 2011 United Football League Draft conducted via Twitter.
 
Hicks, who was selected in the 10th round (48th overall) by Omaha, recently completed his first season with the Rams. He was credited with 20½ tackles, four tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles during the conference schedule and was named a Canada West all-star.
 
"Akiem had an outstanding season for us and it's obvious that he has the talent to play at the professional level," Rams head coach Frank McCrystal said. "Akiem's selection by Omaha is a testament to not only the dedication and drive he's shown with us, but also the calibre of play in Canada West and the CIS."
 
Hicks played for two years with Sacramento City College before coming to the University of Regina and still has two seasons of CIS eligibility remaining. He was the lone player selected from a non-NCAA institution.
 
Entering its third season of operation, the United Football League is a five-team loop including the Hartford Colonials, Las Vegas Locomotives, Sacramento Mountain Lions, Virginia Destroyers, and Omaha. The UFL's five teams played an eight-game regular season schedule last year which started in mid-September.

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