Mickens attended Wayne High School, where he helped his team to two league titles and a 24–9 record.
He posted in his career 205 tackles, 10 interceptions, 4 blocked field goals and one kickoff returned for a touchdown.
As a freshman, he earned the starter right cornerback position during the preseason practices and went on to become an impact player, registering 51 tackles (sixth on the team), 15 passes defensed (second in the nation) and one interception.
He received All-American honors as a junior, after recording 53 tackles, 6 interceptions (second in school history) and 12 passes defensed.
He had 6 tackles and 2 interceptions, including one returned for a 45-yard touchdown against Southeast Missouri State University.
Mickens elected to return to school for his senior season, but suffered a left knee injury during a practice on November 20, 2008.
[3] He dropped because of concerns about the left knee injury he suffered in college, that caused him to run 4.53 at his Pro Day.
[5] The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on November 2, 2009.