I think Hicks is a pretty good QB as compared to other JJ era qb's - with exception of Gilbert who was our best in a very long time - and kept us in many games surrounded by much less talent than we have now.
But I think everyone has to remember that Morris recruited Watson to Clemson - his bar for QB under his system REQUIRES a QB who can hurt you with his feet. Due to that I think I would expect a very robust competition, and I don't think the smart money is on Hicks, despite the respect he has earned from intelligent fans for playing fairly well behind a weak O line.