Interview: 2022 Georgia TE Jack Nickel Talks Penn State and Notre Dame Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
At the end of the 2018 high school football season in Georgia, Milton High School stood among the best not only in-state but in the nation. The Eagles ran their record to 13-2 winning a 7A state championship in a 14-13 thriller against Colquitt County. A run like that takes a total team effort, and the Eagles were loaded with next level talent, but in the mix of all the phenomenal play on the field from the upperclassman, Class of 2022 tight end/H-back Jack Nickel was doing his part. The 6-4, 230-pound, rising star was key in blocking for quarterback Jordan Yates while helping spring Joshua Edwards for 1,100-yards with 19 touchdowns. That play on the field earned him 2018 first team MaxPreps All-American honors and eight offers have rolled in since.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Nickel for an update on his sophomore campaign and his recruiting process after a visit to Penn State and ahead of a trip to South Bend.
Interview
Jack, how has the 2019 season started out for you on the field?
“Our team is looking good. I think we will go into playoffs after a good regional schedule. I have been doing well. They have been using me well this season.”
You got meaningful snaps in on the field as a freshman a year ago. How did that experience help you with your offseason workouts preparing for your sophomore campaign?
“It helped me prepare for the speed and strength of the game. I am used to it now, it got me better.”
Where all are you lining up for the Eagles this season?
“I am playing tight end and H-back. I will split out at receiver some. I am also playing some at defensive end.”
How is your game as a tight end coming along?
“The biggest improvements are in my technique, blocking, and my route running. All of those areas have gotten better.”
At defensive end, how is that rotation working in games?
“I want to be someone they can throw in when they need someone to help. I want to be someone to rely on if needed on defense.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game now as a tight end?
“My receiving game is a strength. I can get open against a safety or a linebacker. I am taller than most linebackers and I am bigger than most defensive backs. My blocking is a strength. I can block any defensive end.”
College teams are responding to your game as a tight end. How many offers do you have?
“I have eight offers.”
Nickel’s Offer Sheet: Appalachian State, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Purdue, Vanderbilt, and Virginia Tech
Which schools are showing interest?
“Penn State, Notre Dame, Alabama, N.C. State, and Georgia are showing interest.”
Have you made it to any campuses over the offseason up to now?
“Yes. I took some visits over the spring and I went to some spring games. I went to Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida State. This fall I have been to Georgia and Penn State.”
How did the Penn State visit go?
“I went last weekend. I loved everything about it, the coaching staff, the campus – everything was great.”
You’ve been to Georgia a couple of times now. Overall, how have the trips gone?
“I like Georgia. It is always good to go there. They are an in-state school.”
Going forward, do you plan on visiting any other schools?
“This weekend I am going to Notre Dame and I am going to Florida State in November.”
Notre Dame is playing USC this weekend, that will be a big game. What has you excited about heading to South Bend?
“I have never been to Notre Dame before. I have not met the coaches. I am excited about building a relationship with them, seeing the campus, and their facilities.”
Closing out going back to football. The team is coming off a bye week ready to take on West Forsyth (1-3). What kind of game are you expecting from the Wolverines?
“They are a physical team. They will try to run the ball and pound away at the clock.”
Before the season ends, what do you want to accomplish on the field?
“I want our team to go as far as we can. We won state last year, if we can do it again that would be awesome.”
Jack, it was great getting time in with you today. I wish you and the team success against West Forsyth.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Nickel family; Jack Nickel at FSU – summer 2019