Interview: 3-Star 2020 LB Austin “Ozzie” Nicholas is Showcasing Yet Another Side to His Overall Game

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

La Costa Canyon High School has hit the 2018 season full-force, especially on defense holding the opposition to an average of seven points per game in the Mavericks first two games. One reason the Mavericks are roughing up Division-I California competition (Cathedral Catholic and Vista) is because of their rising three-star Class of 2020 linebacker Austin “Ozzie” Nicholas. Nicholas has all the tools to be that prototypical Power Five Conference linebacker, and has been proving it on the field over the last two seasons.

Cue up the heavy metal music – when Nicholas is on the field roaming the gridiron at linebacker it is a head banger’s ball. The 6-1, 225-pound, athlete absolutely gets after it and in all three phases required for a linebacker. During his sophomore campaign, he proved he could drop back and cover if needed and come down the alley to fill the hole. This year, Nicholas is showcasing another aspect of his game, sacking the quarterback. In two games, he already has five sacks.

College programs throughout the Mountain West and Pac-12 Conferences are well-aware of the first team All-League linebacker with coaches from Washington, Stanford, UCLA, Air Force, Oregon State, UNLV, and Arizona State, to name a few, hanging out on the Mavericks sidelines during the spring evaluation period. Nicholas’ tough play in the box has led to two early offers coming in from San Diego State and Cal… with many more to follow once the early season reel goes out.

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I caught up with Nicholas to see how the offseason workouts are paying off early in 2018 while receiving a recruiting update.

*Click link for March 15, 2018, RNG interview with Austin Nicholas

Interview

Ozzie, the Mavericks have come out in full-force to start the 2018 season with two big early season wins. The defense has been stifling allowing just seven points a game, what is the defense doing so well this early in the year?

“We are doing everything we are told to do. No one is playing for themselves. We are playing as a team. The defensive line and the defensive backs – everyone is doing their job and following the plan. Everything is working out well for us.”

What is working well for the team on the offensive side of the ball?

“Our offense, they have some things to work out and we are still fixing our mistakes. We look great physically, but we are still making some mental errors like a missed block; things like that. Everyone has to do their job for us to keep winning.”

You are a standout linebacker, how are your skills as a defender being utilized so far in 2018?

“I am being used more as a pass rusher. In 2017, I don’t think I had any sacks… I may have had a couple of sacks last year, but I have five sacks this year already. I am dropping back into coverage and going downhill as well. All of that has improved from last year.”

Are you playing anywhere else on the field during your junior season?

“On offense, I am getting a couple of carries at fullback.”

You mentioned areas of your game that have improved, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game this season over a year ago?

“My speed and my strength are the biggest improvements. I am getting downhill, I am going down faster. I am shedding blocks quicker. Getting rid of offensive linemen is a lot easier this year. All the offseason workouts are helping a ton. Those are the biggest things I have improved on with my game this year.”

What goals have you set for your junior season?

“My goals are the same every year – win CIF and we want to go to state. We want to beat our rivals. Individually, I am looking for more sacks this year and to be the best player I can be.”

Last we spoke, you had already performed at a couple of camps, the Under Armour All-American camp, a UCLA camp, and a Redlands for Washington camp, did you get to showcase your skills at any other camps this summer?

“I went to a USC camp and to their Elite camp; that was really cool. I liked their camps.”

Which camp did you turn in your best performance?

“I performed well at the Washington camp. My feet were working well then. I feel I performed at a top level there.”

Which schools are showing interest in you going into your junior year?

“I am receiving interest from Washington, they showed interest at their camp, and USC, their coaches are following me on Instagram. I was offered an unofficial visit to Notre Dame. I am not sure if I will go yet. Sept. 1 is around the corner, that is when they can talk to us and we can figure this stuff out.”

Which schools have offered you?

“San Diego State and Cal.”

Nice. Last question. La Costa Canyon gets another big challenge on Friday going up against San Clemente, what are you expecting from the Stallions offense?

“I know they have a really good offense. They have impressive players and they have a good program there. Against our defense, I think any team will have trouble against us. We will keep on doing it the rest of the season. I think our defense will be better than their offense.”

Ozzie, great catching up with you today. Good luck against San Clemente and with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: La Costa Canyon HS; No. 9 Austin Nicholas