Linebacker Blake Nichelson looks to his athleticism in new positions with FSU football

Florida State linebacker Blake Nichelson isn't used to playing just one position.
During his time at Manteca High School in Ripon, California, he did just about everything. On defense, he amounted to 93 tackles and 11.5 sacks and on offense rushed for 4,708 yards and 65 touchdowns, complimented by 1,231 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns.
He was a sought-after recruit, committing to FSU as the No. 13 linebacker in the country and tied for the Seminoles sixth-highest-ranked signee from a high school west of Tennessee.
While he was recruited as a linebacker, for the first time in his life, Nichelson is only playing at one position, something he's had to get used to since arriving in Tallahassee.
"It's been a very hard process," Nichelson said. "In high school, I was mostly a running back and safety. Actually having responsibilities it's new to me and I'm getting a hold of it. I feel like I've caught onto it pretty fast. From here, it's only going to get better and better."
Nichelson could have another significant impact on Saturday when the Seminoles face Syracuse at noon on ABC.
Learning from the veterans
As a Swiss Army knife narrowed down to just one use, Nichelson said he enjoys putting all of his talents into one position. Inside a linebacker room that had questions pertaining to its depth in the preseason, Nichelson has held his weight, recording six tackles and a PBU over five games.
It wasn't an immediate adjustment for him as he said at times it's been a frustrating process. Even five games in, Nichelson says that there are still frustrating moments.
"I had a lot of frustrations and still do sometimes," Nichelson said. "It's about understanding this new position. There will be times when I'll be down and thinking too much, like if I'm ever going to master this. I've just got to overcome that and I feel like I have a good understanding of how to get over that."
Nichelson said the entire linebacker room has been behind him and helping him. Veterans like DJ Lundy, Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune have always been around to help Nichelson adjust to the full-time role, even during games.
"If I had a question out there on the field, I'd be able to ask him [DeLoach] really quick and he'll correct me," Nichelson said. "It's just great having them by your side, especially out there. If you do something wrong, they can correct you on the field. They help me to stop overthinking."
Natural talent
Recruited as a versatile athlete and now showing it at the college level, FSU coaches have expressed excitement for Nichelson's potential and what he can do for the Seminoles. FSU head coach Mike Norvell said that his quick adjustment to the position has been impressive.
"The excitement for his future is because of his ability to adapt," Norvell said. "To do what we do, to not have those extra five months in the spring, to come in and learn so many things fundamentally in the position...he's going to be a fun one to watch as he continues to grow up. He is a natural playmaker."
Norvell went on to describe how good Nichelson has been on special teams, specifically on kickoff return, saying when he gets near the ball, good things will happen.
When asked about his success on special teams this season, similar to playing one position, Nichelson said that this is the first time he's ever really played on special teams.
"I didn't play special teams in high school. It's kind of brand new to me," Nichelson said. "Sometimes I play kickoff return, but I kind of just started doing this now. I feel like with my athletic ability, I'm able to pick up on it fast."
Being 2,500 miles away from home and playing in positions he's never been in before, Nichelson's athleticism keeps him confident in his performance and ability to adapt to whatever is thrown at him.
"My athletic ability keeps me confident," Nichelson said. "I always rely on that and I've always been confident in my game. I've never really thought down on myself. I've always thought that I can play at this level."
GAME INFORMATION
Who: No. 4 FSU (5-0, 3-0 ACC) vs. Syracuse (4-2, 0-2)
When/where: Saturday, Oct. 14, 12 p.m.; Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Fla.
TV/Radio: ABC/94.9 FM
Live game updates: www.Tallahassee.com; @Ehsan_Kassim, @jackgwilliams and @JimHenryTALLY on X, formerly Twitter