R.J. Mickens

R.J. Mickens (born July 10, 2001) is an American football safety for the Clemson Tigers.

Early years
Mickens hometown is Southlake, Texas where he attended Carroll High School. In his high school career, Mickens played on both sides of the ball. On offense he rushed for 39 yards and two touchdowns, while also bringing in 61 receptions for 1,092 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense he notched 211 tackles with six going for a loss, two sacks, 32 pass deflections, eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and eight forced fumbles. Mickens would decide to commit to play college football at the University of Clemson over others schools such as Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M.

College career
In Mickens first career season in 2020, he had one tackle. In week two of the 2021 season, Mickens had his first career interceptions, as helped Clemson beat South Carolina State. Mickens finished the 2021 season with 29 tackles with 0.5 tackle being for a loss, and two interceptions. In Clemson's 2022 regular season finale, Mickens had a big goal line tackle and an interception, but he was ejected due to targeting in the third quarter, as the Tigers fell to their rival South Carolina. Mickens finished the 2022 season with 48 tackles with three going for a loss, two pass deflections, and three interceptions. Mickens was named Preseason Third Team All-American, by Pro Football Focus, for the 2023 season.

Personal life
He is the son of former NFL cornerback Ray Mickens.