A drug investigation in Statesboro has landed two Georgia Southern University football players in handcuffs — and it’s not the first time the Eagles program has made headlines for the wrong reasons.
What Happened
On Wednesday morning, crime investigators served a search warrant at an apartment on Lanier Drive. When they walked in, they found multiple drugs — and two tenants who couldn’t explain them.
Irving Bryan Huggins, 20, a former GSU running back, was hit with six charges — including sale of marijuana, intent to distribute, and possession of a Schedule IV drug.
His roommate, current Eagles player Octavius “Tay” Hicklin, 20, was charged with marijuana possession.
Both were taken to Bulloch County Jail.
The Team’s Response
GSU Athletic Director Tom Kleinlein didn’t hold back.
“Hicklin will remain suspended from the team until the legal process is finished,” Kleinlein said, adding that Coach Willie Fritz is committed to recruiting “high quality student-athletes.”
Hicklin’s future with the team will be decided once the legal process wraps up.
This Is Becoming a Pattern
Wednesday’s arrests aren’t happening in a vacuum.
Just last month, defensive end Deonte Dempsey was arrested after biting a police officer during a drug raid — and police found a full pound of marijuana in his home. He’s currently suspended.
And back in February, former fullback Dominique Swope was arrested on aggravated battery charges after a fight that left another man with serious head trauma.
All three incidents — same apartment complex. All within months of each other.
What’s Next
For Huggins, the football chapter is likely closed. He was already removed from the team before Wednesday’s arrest, despite rushing for 224 yards and four touchdowns last season.
For Hicklin, everything now depends on what happens in court.
Coach Fritz and the GSU athletics department are under growing pressure to address what’s becoming a serious pattern — on and off the field.
