Four-Star LB Blake Nichelson commits to Florida State

Four-star linebacker Blake Nichelson of Ripon (Calif.) Manteca High announced his commitment to Florida State Tuesday night.

The 6-foot-3, 210 pounder chose the Seminoles over Oregon and UCLA.

Nichelson on why he chose Florida State

“What stood out to me the most about FSU was just the home feel I had when I was there on campus,” Nichelson said. “ When I was there, I could see myself spending the next 4 years there as a Nole. Also just the fan base and coaches really showed me a lot of love throughout this entire process”

Strong relationship with coaching staff + FSU’s plan for Blake Nichelson

“I am really close with coach Shannon and coach Norvell,” Nichelson said. “They have really been the key factors in my commitment there, and will text and call me multiple times a week to check up on me and see how I’m doing. They really just show a lot of love beyond football. FSU’s plan for me is to use me as a versatile linebacker and play me all around the field, they liked my speed and natural ability to get to the ball.”

The California native joins coach Norvell and the Noles’ Top 20 class in the 2023 Team Rankings. He is accompanied by Keldric Faulk, Lucas Simmons, and others.

Blake Nichelson Scouting Summary

“Athletic linebacker prospect who dominates high school competition as a two-way player. Measured at over 6-foot-2, 213 pounds prior to his senior season,” On3’s Director of Scouting Charles Power wrote. “A top athlete at the position who tests well in the combine setting. Ran an electronically-timed 4.64 second 40-yard dash prior to his senior season. A phenomenal high school football player as a running back and linebacker. Accounted for over 2,600 yards from scrimmage and 44 total touchdowns as a junior. Also tallied 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7 sacks and one interception.”

“Is almost always the top athlete on the field on Friday nights. Easily out-runs opposing defenses with the ball in his hands. Spends much of his time on defense as a standup pass rusher. Shows his speed on defense with the ability to hunt down ball carriers and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Has neutral wing-span and shorter arms relative to other top linebackers. Will need to adjust to playing in space at the next level, but has more than enough speed and athleticism.”

Nichelson currently ranks as the No. 222 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting services. He also tabs in as the No. 19 linebacker and the No. 14 player in the state of California.