2023 Player Spotlight: Blake Nichelson RB/LB Manteca

[Streak One]

Blake Nichelson (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) was a dominating player for Manteca this past season on offense and defense. He runs with vision and power with some breakway speed to outrun second and third level defenders. On defense, he comes off the edge with speed and can shake blockers to make the tackle in front of him. He also chases down plays well. His college future is at linebacker.

Nichelson has offers from around the country including nine of the 12 Pac-12 schools (Stanford, Oregon and Colorado are the ones who haven't offered). He is Manteca's biggest recruit in at least the last 20 years.

 

[Larno51]

I saw him play against Turlock last season. With his size he's a load to bring down on the high school level and has enough speed for breakaway runs, as he had in that game. On the college level I don't think that speed would be enough which is why he's primarily being recruited for defense.

 

[MC415]

Yeah 100% his future is on defense, will be a hell of LB for whoever gets him

 

[QPRTrinity]

Just saw him on UTR. Nice to see some central cali folk on the channel.