Tigers Stay in the Hunt

by TigerNet Staff - Wed Sep 15 23:04:20 GMT-04:00 2004

Derek Nicholson - Linebacker
Height: 6-2 Weight: 228 Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC (Mount Tabor HS) Class: 2005

ESPN: NR

Derek Nicholson may very well be the best player in the Carolinas this year. You cannot say enough about Nicholson's on the field talents as well as his character off the field. He has received close to 70 offers. He was in Clemson last Saturday on an unofficial visit.

"It went well, very well. We got to tour the facilities. Then, they took us to eat, and after that the coaches spoke to us for awhile. I was able to meet with Coach Bowden. After that, we went over to watch the game."

Nicholson was very excited when discussing his feelings about the Most Exciting 25 Seconds in college football.

"Man, that was exciting. The crowd went crazy. I know that has been a long tradition for them with the players Rubbing the Rock. The players were all pumped up. You could tell it really got them ready for the game. That is the type thing I could see myself doing to get ready for a game."

Coach Blackwell was able to spend some time with Nicholson during the pre-game.

"I was down there with Coach Blackwell watching them warm-up. It was neat to get to see how they get motivated, and go through their drills before the game. It was a very enjoyable experience."

The sellout crowd was able to convince Nicholson why it is called Death Valley.

"The crowd was so loud. It was amazing. It would be a hostile atmosphere for any team coming in there. I understand why they call it Death Valley. At certain points, you couldn't hear anything. All I could hear was people yelling, go Clemson. It was a great atmosphere to be a part of."

Nicholson has not cut his options down quite yet, but is getting closer.

"Before I decide to set up my official visits, I want to make sure I have five solid schools. It will have to be five schools that I am very serious about."

We will follow Nicholson very closely the rest of the season. He is unsure for his plans this weekend, but rest assure there is a long list of invitations out there.