University of the Cumberlands Athletics

Frankie Hickson enters his first season as the Patriots running backs coach after joining the University of the Cumberlands staff in 2026.

Prior to arriving at Cumberlands, Hickson served as the Special Teams Coordinator and Running Backs Coach at Heritage High School during the 2025 season. Before beginning his coaching career, he spent three seasons playing professionally in the Canadian Football League with the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2022-24, earning the organization's Rookie of the Year award in 2022.

Hickson starred as a running back at Liberty University from 2015-19, where he finished his career as the program's all-time leader in all-purpose yards with 4,494. He also ranks among the top five in school history in rushing yards, rushing attempts, and rushing touchdowns. During his collegiate career, Hickson earned First Team FBS Independent honors twice and was a two-time All-Conference kick returner while serving as a team captain during his senior season.

As the Patriots running backs coach, Hickson will oversee the development of Cumberlands running backs while assisting with the offense as well.