Offseason Update Interview with Talented 2020 California LB Austin “Ozzie” Nicholas
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2020 linebacker Austin “Ozzie” Nicholas is on a fast-track to fulfilling big expectations laid upon his shoulders. After starting as a freshman during the playoffs at tight end, with a couple of snaps at linebacker, Nicholas stormed out of the gate during his sophomore campaign with La Costa Canyon forcing college football programs to take notice. The 6-1, 220-pound, defender has hit the ground running into the college camp circuit with offers from San Diego State and Cal-Berkeley with an interest list that is growing rapidly.
In a RNG offseason one-on-one interview, I sat down with Nicholas ahead of his camp performance at USC on Sunday covering his recruiting process and offseason workouts.
*Click link for March 15, 2018, RNG interview with Ozzie Nicholas
Interview
Ozzie, how did spring practices go with La Costa Canyon?
“We are going over a lot of our plays, learning a lot, and getting the underclassmen caught up. We are becoming more of a team and doing our best to get ready for the season. We are doing a lot of work on mental reps and getting our feet quicker.”
How did the team look in practice?
“We are looking great. We have a lot of very good guys this year. We are looking forward to a great season.”
How are your offseason workouts coming along?
“Great. I’m still trying to get on the field and in the weight room an equal amount. I’m doing speed training, a lot of work extra work.”
Where are you seeing the biggest growth in your game this offseason?
“My footwork. My feet are getting quicker and my cuts are sharper. I want to be the quickest out there. I want to get downhill faster.”
Which aspects of your game will you focus on the rest of the summer?
“My pass drops. I am good at the run game. Without pads, I am trying to get into position to make plays on the ball. I am also working on understanding our entire defense.”
Have you maxed out since we last spoke?
“Yes, sir. My maxes have increased a lot. I maxed out at 285 on bench, 405 on squat, and 245 on power clean.”
Nice. Did any college programs come by La Costa to meet with you in-person or watch you practice this spring?
“Yeah. There were a lot. To name a few: Utah State, Cal, SDSU, Washington, Arizona State, Air Force, UNLV, Wyoming, UCLA, Stanford – their linebacker coach came to meet with me, and Oregon State. There was a point where we had a coach or two a day for about two weeks.”
Which camps have you attended so far this offseason?
“The Under Armour All-American, UCLA, and the Redlands for Washington on Thursday.”
How did the UCLA camp go?
“It went really well. They took my measurements and showed me the weight room. Their linebacker coach is great. They had a lot of great drills set for us. You can tell they know how to work the linebackers. It was a worthwhile camp.”
Which upcoming camps are on the schedule?
“Stanford, USC on Sunday, and I might try to go to Redlands’ Oregon camp.”
Which schools beyond the ones you already listed are showing recruiting interest?
“Washington showed a lot of interest at their camp, they want me to visit. Stanford seems pretty interested. Arizona State is showing interest. Honestly, it is hard to tell sometimes to tell who is really interested.”
You have two offers now, right?
“Yes, sir. San Diego State and Cal.”
Congratulations. I know Cal was your first offer, what was it like getting that first offer on the table?
“It was great. I was super excited. Everything I worked for had paid off. Cal is an amazing school, and a place I could see myself playing one day. The chance to play college football, that has been my dream since I was a kid. That opportunity is now becoming a reality – it was just a great experience receiving the offer.”
Other than the camps, do you have any planned visits for this summer?
“I might go to Washington.”
What are you doing for fun this summer away from football?
(Laughs) “I do a lot of football activities. When we are off, I am tired. Usually I am resting up when we are off. I am going to Alaska on a fishing trip this summer with my dad, but not much else is planned.”
Ozzie, I appreciate your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Nicholas family via Tom Mills; Ozzie Nicholas