Two Nicholson's are Better than One

This past year Florida State landed an Army All-American in linebacker Derek Nicholson. The 6-foot-0 and 230 pound four-star standout was named the Army All-American East squad’s MVP by recording nine tackles, including two for a loss.

Nicholson, who is the younger brother of weak-side linebacker A.J. Nicholson, is getting ready for his Seminole career.

“Right now, I’m running some track and just lifting some weights,” he said. “I can bench press 375 pounds and I squat 500 pounds.”

The North Carolina standout keeps in contract with his older brother every other day and he also talks with his position coach Kevin Steele about every two weeks.

“When I talk with Coach Steele, we talk about the plan on where I fit in at Florida State,” he said. “The plan is for me to start at Mike but also cross-train at weak. Right now Buster (Davis), Sam (McGrew) and Jae (Thaxton) will be in front of me. At weak you got A.J. (Nicholson), Church and Rodney (Gallon). Florida State is top heavy at linebacker this year but next year, there might be a better opportunity at weak.”

What are his personal plans this upcoming season?

“I don’t plan on redshirting,” Nicholson said. “I plan on competing for playing time, whether that’s on special teams or in the regular defense. My goal is to get on the field and start as soon as possible. I don’t care if the guy in front of me is older or has a lot of accolades, I want to contribute and make plays.”

Nicholson plays extremely physical and he has incredible instincts.

“I bring a lot of intensity to the table,” he said. “I can play inside and out. I also can play on the edge and play in open space.”

The Mt. Tabor Senior standout got to know a lot about Florida State over the last four years because of his brother.

“Over the years, I got to know a lot of the coaches and players,” he said. “I really felt comfortable with the coaches and environment. I chose Florida State because it gave me a little bit of everything like socially, football-wise and academics. Florida State fits my personality.”

Nicholson, who reports to Tallahassee on June 19th, eclipsed the 500 career tackles mark in mid-season of senior year and recorded well over 170 tackles for the third year in a row. As a junior, Nicholson had 181 tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, three picks and 10 sacks.