FSU football: Fans react to Blake Nichelson commitment to Noles

FSU football coaches knew they needed to land a difference-maker at the linebacker position in the 2023 recruiting class after only signing one high school linebacker in the 2022 class.

The addition of UCF transfer linebacker Tatum Bethune has been a huge impact on the field for the Noles, but they need to get back to signing quality high school players when they had the opportunity.

The addition of four-star linebacker Blake Nichelson Tuesday night is a culmination of great scouting, relationship building, and staying true to what your vision is for the program.

It’s not common to see FSU go out to California for a linebacker these days, but the addition of Derrick Yray made it possible, along with the experience FSU Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach Randy Shannon brings to the table.

The impressive thing is that FSU didn’t offer Blake Nichelson until May 2022 and had him on campus for an official visit a month later, after he had visited Oregon several times.

Nichelson credited FSU football fans for showing him love on social media, and when he visited and they were at it again Tuesday night after he committed.

Fan Reaction

Thoughts

It was cool to see Nichelson mention FSU fans because they are one of the most passionate fanbases in college football.

They are thirsty for success after the last five years of mediocrity, and FSU getting off to a 3-0 start has things around the program feeling nostalgic once again.

Not only that, but Nichelson has to be impressed with what the FSU linebackers are doing on the field through three games. Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach are among team leaders in tackles and tackles for a loss.

He’s physical and can play in space, which is needed in today’s college game. The Noles got them a player Tuesday night.