For Lawrence Central High School (IN) standout Joshua Mickens, football is life.
It has been that way since birth for the four-star defensive end, especially when one considers his father, Arnold Mickens, was one of the premier FCS players in America during the 1990's at Butler University. In two seasons, the elder Mickens was an All-American in two years with the Bulldogs, while amassing 18 Division I-AA records. In 1994, the future Indianapolis Colt rushed for 2,255 yards over 10 games.
"Really football has been something I’ve always been in. I grew up in football because of my dad coaching and him playing in the NFL and I just grew up for a love for it. Basketball, though, was just my first love and I’ve always been interested in it and loved it, but I just enjoy playing it as well as football," Joshua Mickens told HSR.
Having a father who has played at a very high level has been both a blessing and burden at times for Mickens.
"Well there is some pressure there because of that but my main goal is to get to the NFL and my dad knows so he wants him to be better than him. I just try my best to be my best really but it still is pressure because it’s like I got to get there and have a while to go," Joshua Mickens said.
He added that because of his father still being well known in Indianapolis, where he was a star at the former Broad Ripple High School, it has been tough to make a name for himself, but that only drives him to push forward and succeed on the gridiron.
"It has been tough to make a name for myself because of my dad and the weight his name carries especially in Indianapolis as far football, so I have no choice but to excel especially in football," Joshua Mickens said.
And, has he ever excelled.
In 2021, Joshua Mickens amassed 70 total tackles, 22-and-a-half tackles for loss, 12 sacks, seven pass breakups, five forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. The season before, as a sophomore, he notched 56 tackles, 8-and-a-half tackles for loss and three sacks.
"I’m not surprised by my success that much because I feel as though I have worked to get to this point , but football has always come naturally because of me always being bigger and physicality, so I think everything is coming full circle," he said.
Joshua Mickens added that he attributes his success to his natural build, skill set and the work he has put in to be better. As one of the top defensive ends in the Midwest, he holds offers from the following: Boston College, Indiana, Ball State, Cincinnati, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Miami (OH), Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, NC A&T, Rutgers, Tennessee, Purdue, Southern California, West Virginia, Louisville
and Wisconsin.
"Recruiting has been going really well for me. As of recently, I have been talking to some new schools such as Clemson and have been gaining some new offers, so it’s going really well," he said.
Joshua Mickens notes he does not have a favorite school, but did note what he is looking for in a school and program.
"I really don’t have a list of favorites yet. I am just enjoying the process and am just looking for a school that truly cares about me and will help me to get to the highest level but also will push me to be my best," he stated.
As he continues to work for his upcoming senior season, Joshua Mickens has set lofty goals for his final season with the Bears, who are coached by former Indiana University standout Will Patterson.
"My main goals are to make Army All-American and to have 30-plus sacks, as well as get more offers and win Mr. Football for my position," he said.
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