David Hicks is down to seven, and the Ducks are still on the board.

Oregon made the list of finalists Friday for the Katy (Texas) Paetow defensive lineman, alongside Oklahoma, Michigan State, Texas, Alabama, Miami, and Texas A&M. The prevailing belief is that Hicks will eventually pick the Aggies—with 247Sports’ director of football recruiting, Steve Wiltfong, putting a crystal ball prediction in for A&M—but Oregon has seemingly made up some ground with the premier defender.

The Ducks hosted Hicks on June 17 for an official visit. He’s taken officials to Miami and Michigan State, but has yet to use his other two officials. Hicks did, however, make it to College Station for an unofficial visit the final weekend prior to the current dead period.

Hicks rates as a 5-star in the industry-generated 247 Composite. He’s the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2023 class and the top-ranked player both at his position and in his home state of Texas.

As a junior, Hicks played at Class 6A powerhouse Allen in the DFW area where he was a MaxPreps All-American. He earned the District Defensive MVP award after recording 96 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks in 14 games.

You can view his highlight tape below, via Hudl: