Interview: 2023 Arkansas QB/WR Cory Nichols Updates Season with No. 1 Bryant
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A change has been brewing in Arkansas since the 2014 high school football season seeing Bryant rise from a competitive squad to one of the state’s best programs. For years, the Hornets have been knocking on that door of an elite program making that jump in 2018 with a championship run. The team now has back-to-back state titles on the resume and have not lost since Oct. 26 2018 (North Little Rock). The squad is 8-0 this season looking like a shoo-in for a three-peat. One of the players ready to make that happen this year and in the years to come is Class of 2023 quarterback turned receiver Cory Nichols.
Nichols (5-11, 175) just ended his junior varsity season slinging the pigskin around for the Hornets and is doubling on varsity as the backup quarterback and an emerging target in the playoffs. With 14 receptions for 195 yards and four touchdowns, and the possibility of being the next man up, Nichols caught us up on his sophomore season.
Interview
Cory, the Hornets have once again been hammering away at the opposition steamrolling to an 8-0 start. Behind the scenes, how has the team come together to keep the 13-0 streak from the 2019 season going?
We are watching film three times a week, practicing for 2.5 hours a day, film before and after practice, in the weight room in the morning, and focusing during practice.
Knowing you guys are going to get the other team’s best shot being the No. 1 team in Arkansas and the defending champions, what is a typical Hornets practice like?
Long, and it is really harder than a game. Our practices are tougher than the games. We make everyone better because it is so competitive.
Coming up through the ranks you’ve been a quarterback. This season, the coaches are utilizing your talents in a different way with senior Austin Ledbetter starting. How is the offensive coordinator getting you involved in the game plan?
He has me watching film with him, going over coverages and teaching me how to read defenses. He’s teaching me how to do everything.
When you are getting snaps on the field, what are you doing?
I’m at receiver, he has me doing a lot of reps at receiver and at slot. I’m getting to show my versatility and I am plugged in.
Which routes are you running?
10-and-outs, goes, drags, speed outs; every route.
Are you enjoying getting time in as a receiver?
I enjoy it, it is going good.
Are you still getting snaps at quarterback (JV)?
Our JV season ended last week. I was getting all those snaps. With the varsity, when we are blowing teams out, they put me in at quarterback.
How is your game coming along as a quarterback?
The most improvement in my game is reading coverages. My mental part of the game is improving. I am sticking in the pocket more and not looking to run as quickly.
Playing receiver, how has that helped you understand more about route construction and delivery to your receivers?
At quarterback, I did not know how they fill it in, how difficult it is, and how I can set them up. Now I know how they feel and how difficult some of the catches are.
With the varsity experience under your belt, how is your overall understanding of the game getting better?
I am reading coverages way better than last year. My time management in a game has improved.
On Friday the team closes the season at home hosting Conway (6-2). The Wampus Cats are a tough team, ranked No. 6 in-state. What kind of game can the fans expect in this one?
It will be a good game.
Cory, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the Hornets the best the rest of the way.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Jimmy Jones; No. 7 Cory Nichols in action