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Louisville sophomore Robert Hicks has removed his name from the NCAA's transfer portal and will remain with the school.

The decision comes less than three weeks after Hicks explored a departure after he was moved from linebacker by new Cardinals coach Scott Satterfield's staff during spring practice. He's returned to the linebacker position.

Hicks played in eight games as a freshman, making 24 tackles, including two for loss and a half-sack. He started two games, including once against Western Kentucky, when he made a team-high 11 tackles.

Related:Satterfield not surprised by so many transfers but says it hurts depth

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 248 pounds, Hicks was a four-star recruit out of Miami Central High School in Florida, and ranked as the No. 11 inside linebacker and No. 240 player, according to 247 Sports. He picked Louisville over offers from Auburn, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan State, Oregon and Oregon State, among several others.

Hicks' decision is good news for a Louisville team that has seen a number of players leave or explore leaving, a common trend when new coaching staffs take over college football programs.

At least 12 other Louisville players have entered their name in the NCAA's transfer portal since last season, including 11 who did so after the arrival of Satterfield in January: quarterback Jordan Travis; running backs Trey Smith and Colin Wilson; wide receivers Jatavious Harris, Corey Reed and Marcus Riley; defensive lineman Michael Boykin, Jonathan Greenard and Allen Love; linebackers Kam Jones and Malik Staples; and cornerback Jairus Brents. Offensive lineman Wyatt Smock also left the team.

Greenard landed at Florida, while Travis opted for Florida State. None of the other players have publicly announced a new destination.

Also:Louisville's Scott Satterfield still settling in 3 months after his hire

Satterfield said last week that he wasn't surprised by the departures because his staff has been "open and honest" with his players regarding program expectations as well as their standing on the depth chart.

Satterfield acknowledged its cut into his team's depth but said there's no "animosity" for any of the departures.

"Obviously we want those guys to be a part of our team, and if they do the things we're asking them to do, we want them to be here," he said. "But if they don't and if they can go and play at another school, we'll support them and really try to help them find their way at another school and be there for them."

Justin Sayers: 502-582-4252; jsayers@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @_JustinSayers. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/justiins.