Relationships matter to 4-star EDGE Dominic Nichols

EDGE is a priority position for Kentucky in the 2024 recruiting cycle. DMV native Dominic Nichols is near the top of the recruiting boarding in Lexington.

The Ijamsville (Md.) Oakdale rising senior is the No. 369 overall prospect in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking and a top-15 prospect in Maryland. Georgia hosted the four-star recruit for an unofficial visit last month and is building a strong connection with the coaching staff in Athens.

On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons caught up with Nichols this week to get an update on his recruitment. There are no plans yet for a summer decision, but relationships will be in his decision-making process.

“Coaches leave all the time, but they’re definitely a big factor,” Dominic Nichols told On3. “They’re a huge one. How good a team is is a factor. I’m competitive. If you know me, I’m really competitive. Actually, I hate losing more than I love winning. I want to win and I want to go where I think I can get developed as a defensive lineman.”

Defensive coordinator Brad White is leading this recruitment for Kentucky. The outside linebackers coach has made it clear from the start that he is committed to creating a strong relationship with Nichols.

I feel like Kentucky, they’re coming up and they’ve been getting better every year, so I’d want to be a part of that. Coach White, he’s a top defensive coordinator and he is about relationships,” Nichols told Simmons. “He had let me know that he was going to build a relationship with me before he offered, so that all means a lot.”

Wisconsin (June 2), Michigan (June 9), and Kentucky (June 16) has official visits locked in with Nichols. Clemson, Florida State, and Georgia are lurking in this recruitment. White has the Wildcats firmly in the hunt.