WATCH: Florida State 4-star LB commit Blake Nichelson records 58-yard punt return touchdown
Ripon (Calif.) Manteca four-star linebacker Blake Nichelson is known for his success on the defensive side of the ball. However, the Florida State commit demonstrated his ability to return punts against Manteca (Calif.) Sierra.
As he fielded the punt, Nichelson ran to his right before cutting back left. He fought through multiple defenders before crossing the goal line.
Nichelson is the No. 223 overall prospect and No. 19 linebacker in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 14 player in California.
On3 rates Nichelson higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2023 On300, he is the No. 189 overall prospect, No. 16 linebacker and No. 12 player in California.
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The 6-foot-2, 215 pound prospect is the seventh-highest-ranked prospect in the Seminoles’ 2023 recruiting class. Florida State’s group is No. 16 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 3 in the ACC.
Nichelson has an On3 NIL Valuation of $25K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.
Blake Nichelson On3 Scouting Summary
The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Blake Nichelson:
“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. 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.”