Signee Spotlight: Michigan EDGE signee Dominic Nichols discusses making things official, enrolling early

Three-star Ijamsville (Md.) Oakdale EDGE Dominic Nichols officially signed with Michigan on Wednesday.

The Wolverine’s EJ Holland caught up with Nichols about putting pen to paper and what it means to be a Wolverine. Watch the full Q&A in the video above.

The Skinny

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 255
Senior Stats: Recorded 84 total tackles, 15 sacks, 15 pass breakups and one interception.
Industry Ranking: No. 42 EDGE, No. 450 overall
Interesting Facts: Led Oakdale to a state championship this season. Also helped lead Oakdale to a state title earlier in his high school career. Favorite place to eat is Chipotle.

Recruitment

Michigan made Nichols a top priority in the spring and quickly became the team to beat. Nichols eventually committed to Michigan in June and stuck with the Wolverines despite a few late pushes from others. He picked U-M over offers from Clemson, Florida State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin and others. Michigan staffer Dylan Roney served as his primary recruiter. Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and defensive line coach Mike Elston served as his secondary recruiters.

He Said It

“Everyone wants to play for the national championship and I feel like that can be done at Michigan. They’ve shown it these past couple of years. This recruiting class is good but they’re also going to have another really great year on the field as well.”

They Said It

“Michigan is obviously an incredible program. I’ve followed them since I was a kid. They only recruit the best players in the country, so that’s a kudos to him. Over the last two or three years, I’m not sure many programs have had better defensive linemen than Michigan. If that’s a place where if you’re trying to get developed and get to the NFL, it’s a good fit. He’s a lot like (David) Ojabo with the length and athleticism. Ojabo was more raw that (Aidan) Hutchinson and got better and better. I think Dom’s best football is way ahead of him.”  — Kurt Stein, Oakdale head coach

Scouting Report

“Nichols is a guy who really showed improvement his senior year. He’s a big-bodied defensive end. He trimmed down a little bit as a senior and made explosive plays. He has the size and the stature to hold as a run defender and play as a big defensive end. But he can continue to put on weight. I see him as a versatile defensive lineman. He can play different spots. He’s shown pretty solid pass rushing ability along with run stopping skill. I think he has the size for a big edge setter.” — On3 Rankings Director Charles Power