2013: Redshirt senior ... Third year handling all of Northwestern's long-snapping duties ... Helped 'Cats convert 23-of-25 field-goal attempts and 100 percent of PATs ... Academic All-Big Ten.

2012: Redshirt junior ... Completed his second year as NU's full-time long and short-snapper, playing in all 13 games ... Excellent rapport on the field with punter and holder Brandon Williams ... Two special teams tackles this season ... Academic All-Big Ten.

2011: Played in all 13 games as NU's short- and long-snapper ... Named NU's special teams player of the week for his performance at Boston College ... Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

2010: Redshirt freshman ... Academic All-Big Ten ... Handled the short snaps (field goals/PAT's) from the long-snapper position early in the season.

2009: Did not see action.

High School: Lettered two years for the Ramblers, earning first-team All-Catholic League (Blue) honors ... Also earned special mention all-area from the Chicago Sun-Times ... Class 8A Academic All-State honoree ... Team MVP and captain for the Chicago Prep Bowl champions ... Played defensive tackle, linebacker, fullback and long snapper for the Ramblers ... Recorded a single-game-best 12 tackles vs. Mt. Carmel ... Helped the Ramblers finish 2008 with an 11-3 record ... Totaled 85 tackles (41 solos, 44 assists), 12 TFL's, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2008 ... School's Red Zone Old Spice Player of the Year nominee ... Also lettered two years for Loyola's hockey team (defenseman) ... National Scholar and First Academic Honors ... Graduated cum laude ... Played against these other 2009 NU newcomers: Evan Watkins, Patrick Ward, Jack Gregus and Anthony Battle ... Coached by John Holecek.

Personal: Born Patrick Laurence Hickey ... Son of Patrick Hickey and Bea Reyna-Hickey ... Joins former prep teammates Brian Mulroe and Chance Carter at NU ... Economics major and business institutions minor.

The Hickey File

Q: Name five favorite songs (and artist) on your I-Pod:
A: "Your Love" by The Outfield; "Six-Pack Summer" by Phil Vassar; "Growin' Up" by Bruce Springsteen; "Summertime" by Kenny Chesney; "Stir It Up" by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Q: If you could dine with anyone from any period in history, who would it be and why?
A: My grandfather, because I never met him, and I've heard amazing things about his life.
Q: What is the greatest lesson in life that you have learned?
A: Success comes from hard work
Q: A song that best describes you and why?
A: "Toes" -- Zac Brown Band
Q: Something people would be surprised to know about me is:
A: I've been scuba diving six times in six different countries
Q: My favorite place to visit is and why?
A: The Cayman Islands
Q: Which current NU football player is the biggest jokester on the team and why?
A: Ben Burkett
Q: My favorite thing about NU is and why?
A: Proximity to Chicago
Q: Best part about being a Northwestern football player is:
A: The people I get to spend my time with
Q: Describe Coach Fitzgerald in five words or less:
A: Intense, passionate, successful
Q: Describe your position coach in five words or less:
A: Fitz--intense, knowledgeable, positive
Q: Most humbling experience:
A: Freshman year at Camp Kenosha
Q: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement and why?
A: Being able to play Big Ten Football
Q: The best book I have ever read is and why?
A: Friday Night Lights
Q: The person that inspires me the most is:
A: My dad
Q: My favorite pregame ritual is:
A: Pre-game meals
Q: If you could have a starring role in any film already made, which movie would you pick and why?
A: The Departed
Q: My favorite food is:
A: My mom's Mexican food
Q: My favorite thing about playing at Ryan Field is:
A: The tradition and history
Q: Best thing about Northwestern is:
A: Mix of great academics and athletics
Q: My ultimate SportsCenter highlight would be:
A: Forcing a fumble on a punt return and taking it back for six!
Q: My favorite television show is and why?
A: The Office
Q: If I were not playing football, I would be
A: A bored college student
Q: The three words that best describe me:
A: Competitive, laid-back, trustworthy
Q: My football-related superstition is:
A: I always listen to music before games, and always shower before every game
Q: If the Big Ten expands in the future, pick one school you'd like to see added and why?
A: Notre Dame -- it would be a great Chicago area rivalry
Q: Which FORMER NU football student-athlete has had the most impact on your Wildcat career and why?
A: Pat Fitzgerald -- Besides being an unbelievable former NU athlete, he is our head coach and my position coach.