FSU Freshman Linebacker Blake Nichelson Sets Sights on Next Level

Manteca, California native Blake Nichelson, a former 4-star linebacker in the 2023 class, has come a long way to play for the Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee, Florida. He was a highly sought-after recruit, ranked as the No. 10 linebacker nationally and the No. 9 player in his home state, per Seminoles.com.

His decision to choose FSU over programs like Oregon, USC, Nebraska, Washington, and many others came down to a few things, mainly the home feel and coaching staff. Those are aspects that head coach Mike Norvell has set into motion during his three years at the helm.

"I for sure say the coaching staff. Just between all the coaches, coach Norvell, Fuller, Shannon, like, everybody, it just — it felt like home to me," Nichelson said when asked why he chose the 'Noles during his first press conference. "And especially when I came out here for a game, I got to see the Warchant for the first time in person, and I knew right there and then it was just different at Florida State. So, I feel like it was the home feel overall just made me take the jump over here."

Nichelson totaled 44 tackles his senior year at Manteca High with four sacks and an interception while playing multiple positions for the Buffalos. He also rushed for 1,719 yards and 27 touchdowns as a standout running back but said that he enjoys sticking to one position while he transitions to the division one college ranks.

"I feel like it's great to finally just stick to one position and just like put all my talent into that one position," Nichelson said. "In high school, it was fun to be able to play all those different positions, but finally being able to get a rest and all that stuff, like, it's great to actually like get a rest and just put all my talents into that one position and be the best player that I can be."

The linebacker game has changed over the past decade, and the need for 6-foot-5, 250-pound bulldozers in the middle of the field has diminished. The mid-ranged lengthy and quick asset has been adopted to adjust for spread offenses, and Nichelson said that his target weight is 225, which would allow him to utilize his speed and meet the prototypical standard of today's game.

"I think my main strength is probably my speed, to be honest; being able to play side line to side line. I feel like now that's a big thing with linebackers, and also, the ability to cover," Nichelson said. "Just being able to cover tight ends, running backs, wide receivers and stuff like that. I feel like that is one of the main parts of the game now as a linebacker is being able to drop into coverage."

Still, the jump from high school into a Power Five program proves its challenges: learning new coverages, the speed of the game, a different scheme, and a more advanced strength and conditioning program, but the 6-foot-3, 215-linebacker said he's confident he can make the adjustment.

"It's a very big difference for me, a very big jump. Like, before, high school, is all like basic stuff, either man, cover three, cover four, stuff like that, but now you really gotta, like, you got so many sets you have to remember," Nichelson said. "It's something I'm still adjusting to, but I know I have enough time, and I know that after a while, I'll be able to understand the whole playbook, but it is definitely a big jump from high school to college."

Nichelson said that he molds his game around San Fransico 49's Fred Warner and will be joining a linebacker unit that returns players like Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, and DJ Lundy.

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.

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