‘Natural playmaker’ … FSU freshman LB Blake Nichelson proves to be quick study

Like all freshmen, Blake Nichelson had to get used to the speed of the college game.

Then there was the terminology of the Florida State defense. And the complexity of the playbook. And the intricacies of college-level fundamentals and techniques.

But for Nichelson, the transition from four-star high school prospect to FSU freshman was even more challenging than that. He also had to learn the basics of playing linebacker.

Because he didn’t play that position in high school, simple things such as reading his keys when defending the run were a completely foreign concept.

“In high school, I didn’t have to do any of that,” Nichelson said. “I didn’t really know what that was. I just ran free wherever I want.”

As a standout two-way player at California’s Manteca High, Nichelson’s primary roles on defense were either roaming the field as a free safety or coming off the edge as a pass-rusher.

In both cases, his job was essentially the same: See ball and get ball.

He didn’t have to worry about fulfilling his assignments or filling gaps so that teammates could make the play. He relied primarily on his instincts and athletic ability to record 93 tackles and 11.5 sacks as a high school senior.

“I didn’t have any jobs,” Nichelson said. “I kind of was just a free safety or I was just an edge rusher in high school — on defense at least. But like now, I actually have to do my reads and keys and stuff like that.”

It wasn’t the easiest of transitions.

Because he wasn’t an early enrollee, Nichelson essentially had a few weeks of summer workouts and then preseason camp to get acclimated to his new position. And every time he would get one thing down, the Seminoles’ coaches would throw something else at him.

Nichelson remembers his head “spinning” the first time he saw offensive skill players going in motion before a play.

“I had a lot of frustrations — still do sometimes,” Nichelson said, adding that he has learned how to be patient with the process. “It’s all brand new to me. I’m just getting hold of it. But I feel like I’ve caught onto it pretty fast by now. So I feel like from here, it’s only keep getting better and better.”

Because Nichelson was so green at linebacker, Florida State’s coaches initially thought it might be awhile before he could contribute on defense. But he repeatedly caught their attention with his playmaking ability on special teams — particularly on kickoff coverage.

Then once he started picking up defensive concepts from linebackers coach Randy Shannon and veteran teammates Tatum Bethune, Kalen DeLoach and DJ Lundy, it soon became clear that Nichelson would be on the fast track after all.

“He’s very natural,” Florida State special teams coordinator John Papuchis said. “Which is great for a linebacker obviously — that he has a great sense and feel in terms of how to defeat the blocks that he’s getting and then how to track the ball. Plus he’s so athletic. He runs really, really well.”

Nichelson, who was the No. 11 prospect in California for the class of 2023, has played extensively on special teams in all five games this season. He also saw action at linebacker briefly against LSU and then extensively against Southern Miss and Virginia Tech.

His playing time in Saturday’s game against the Hokies was especially notable, because some of it came in the first half when the game was still up for grabs. He only recorded one tackle and certainly learned a few lessons from his mistakes, but Florida State’s coaches weren’t expecting a flawless performance.

They simply wanted him to take the next step in his college journey.

“You can’t replicate experience,” Florida State defensive coordinator Adam Fuller said. “Especially in real time. So I think we’ll continue to see Blake in that development.”

Nichelson can already see and sense his own improvement.

The game is suddenly beginning to slow down for him. He has learned how to play with a lower pad level and also how to shed blocks of massive college offensive linemen.

In the coming months, he wants to add weight to his 6-foot, 3-inch frame. (Nichelson currently is listed at 215 pounds, but he wants to play at 225.)

But most importantly, he wants to continue learning all the nuances of the position so that he can start playing fast and instinctively again — the way he did in high school.

It’s something his coaches can’t wait to see as well.

“He’s gonna be a fun one to watch as he continues to grow up,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “Because he is a natural playmaker.”

Talk about this story with other die-hard Florida State football fans on the Tribal Council.

The post ‘Natural playmaker’ … FSU freshman LB Blake Nichelson proves to be quick study appeared first on On3.