YOUNGSTOWN — When Dathan Hickey takes the field at Stambaugh Stadium and lines up against Yale in the first round of the FCS playoffs on Saturday, it’ll be a “full-circle moment” for the Youngstown State defensive back.

Hickey was a part of the Bulldogs’ program from 2018-23, before he transferred to YSU ahead of the 2024 season.

Hickey went through a lot during his last couple years at Yale and his first year at YSU. But he came through the fire and will help lead the Penguins’ defense against the Bulldogs, just as he has throughout the season.

“God is everything, and leaning on Him during those dark moments and those dark times is what got me through,” Hickey said in an interview last week. “It really told me the truth of who I am and where I can be as a player — that I can be better

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