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TE Rory Nicol (Official Thread)

Dispatch

4/8/06

OSU FOOTBALL

Nicol hopes to become key element in offense

Tight end coming back after sitting out season because of foot injury

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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On the night before Ohio State football games last season, John Peterson thought about Rory Nicol.

"He called me every week to make sure I was in bed at the right time, and I’d say good luck to him," said Nicol, a sophomore tight end.

But the purpose of the tight end coach’s call was not to verbally tuck Nicol in. It was more head check than bed check.

Nicol was sitting out the season because he suffered a torn foot ligament in August.

Redshirt players do not accompany the team on trips or to its Columbus hotel the night before home games.

It can leave the player feeling melancholy.

Peterson, the tight ends coach, knew that.

He had to sit out a season with shoulder injuries during his Buckeyes playing career.

"I had gone through some of those kinds of things," Peterson said, "so I was able to talk to him. I’d give him a call every Friday night and Saturday morning just to kind of touch base. That’s tough to deal with when you’re injured and not part of that travel squad, that Friday night and Saturday morning pregame."

Nicol appreciated the gesture. He may have been gone, but the calls reassured him that he was not forgotten.

"He did a great job, he really did," said Nicol, a native of Beaver Falls, Pa. "He kept in touch with me a lot and never really just overlooked me. He was like a father away from home."

Last season, while Nicol was absent, the tight end position was missing from the OSU offense.

Injuries played a large part — not only Nicol’s but also a knee injury that kept starter Ryan Hamby out of the last part of the regular season. Hamby also struggled mentally with the fallout from a dropped pass in the end zone against Texas.

At times, the Buckeyes had no legitimate, experienced tight end. Defensive end Marcel Frost was converted and contributed toward year’s end, and offensive tackles were used as second tight ends in power formations.
It all added up to a hole in an otherwise potent offense. OSU tight ends have caught just one touchdown pass in the past 23 games, and that was Nicol’s garbage-time grab in a 33-7 loss at Iowa in 2004.

"We didn’t have a really healthy guy at the time, so we didn’t really do too much with the tight ends," said Frost, who had seven catches for 70 yards. "But if everybody stays healthy, I think we can do a lot."

If so, Nicol could play a large role. At 6 feet 5, 260 pounds, the rangy player showed good hands and speed in 2004.

"I think the tight end role will expand this year," he said. "We’re doing some new things with us. I really think we’ll see a lot more play."

Personally, Nicol has endured the pain of a career interrupted and is straining at the ropes, ready to get going.

"To come in and redshirt (right away as a freshman) may be a little easier," Nicol said. "Just the fact that you’ve never played, you don’t really know that you can do it. But I got a taste of it as a freshman, and (then) to sit there, man, it killed me.

"But God does everything for a reason, and I’m going to find that out in a couple of years, I hope, or maybe sooner."

[email protected]
 
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Soo, I guess it's finally time for me to bury the hachet concerning my chip on my shoulder towards Rory for his cheapshot on Teddy in the Big 33 game.
It's good to see that he is looking good, espically if we decide to run some 2- TightEnd sets at the beginning of the year to pound the ball with Beanie while the defense learns to gel.
 
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Ozone article on Nicol and the TE's.

theozone

The-Ozone Note and Quotebook
By John Porentas

Troy Stepping Up: Word out of OSU spring football is that quarterback Troy Smith is really impressing in almost every way possible. The latest to sing Smith's praises is tight end Rory Nicol.​
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"Troy mentally understands this offense as well as anybody," said Nicol.

"He worked really hard this off-season learning a lot of stuff. He's sharp. He knows when he makes a mistake, which aren't very many, and he'll tell me when I make a mistake or when somebody else makes a mistake. He's really, really sharp this spring," Nicol said.

Nicol said that Smith's improvement is noticeable between snaps as well.
"I think Troy has really stepped up as a leader," he said.

"Troy has worked. He's not messing around right now, he's not out there screwing off, he's taking his leadership role very seriously, and that's something good."

OSU wide receivers coach Darrell Hazell agreed.
"Troy's done a nice job," Hazell said. "I think he's kind of taken up where he left off last year, being a great leader, he's throwing the ball very well."

The Vanishing and Re-appearing Tight End: There was a time not too very long when the tight end was an integral part of the OSU offense. In 2002, tight end Ben Hartsock was almost always on the field and was well-integrated into the OSU offense. Since then, however, the tight end has seemed like an afterthought, partly due to the talent at other positions, and to some extent, due to circumstances at the tight end position itself. Last year, for example, the injury bug hit the tight end position leaving the Buckeyes in a lurch.

"There's no question that we were hit with some injuries last year and we had to adjust on the run," said OSU tight ends coach John Peterson.
"That's part of football. This year we're healthy right now and getting better in the spring."​
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Peterson has a full cadre of talent to work with this spring. Marcel Frost is back as is converted linebacker Brandon Smith. Rory Nicol has returned to action after sitting out last most of last year with an injury, and preferred walkon Will Crall is getting reps as well. Peterson has yet to determine who will be on the field next fall, but he does know what he is looking for in a tight end. He acknowledges that the tight end must be an effective receiver, but says that is it doesn't end there.

"We're looking for tight ends who can single-block in the run game and protect and allows the offensive line to free up inside. I think we have a some guys who can do a great job in the run game also," said Peterson.

As to the candidates for the position themselves, they all seem to feel they are improved players and all seem to be on the same page as Peterson as to the role of the tight end.​
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"I feel great. I can play a lot faster and there's not as much thinking. It's more reaction. I can see the field a lot better and I feel more comfortable than last year," said Frost.

"I'm about 260, and I'm probably going to play at about 255. I played at about 262 last year. I think I'm a little faster at the lighter weight. It can't hurt to be faster. Me being quicker can only help me get away from linebackers and DBs," Frost said.

"I'm trying to improve on my blocking skills so I can run block and pass block and do more than just run routes and catch balls," Frost added.
All of the candidates have enough speed to be effective receivers, but are not the type of tight end that can just run routes. All three have the size to be able to block at the line of scrimmage as well, which is just what Peterson is looking for.

"I think we're all pretty similar," added Nicol.​
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"There's not anything that I can say that I do way better than Marcel or Brandon. I think we're all pretty similar, pretty complete. I don't think any of us are burner-fast that can't touch a defensive end and block them. I think we're all pretty well balanced. I think we're similar, I really do," he said.
Nicol says he senses a return of emphasis to the tight end position this spring.

"I feel like we're trying to get the tight ends more involved in the offense," he said.
"We want to be able to run the ball like we have in the past and we might have fell off a little bit. We want to be a power running team and be able to go two-tights or go one-tight and be able to spread it out with an empty backfield too. I think this spring there has been more emphasis on the tight end position whether there be one of us or two of us in the game, at least for these first five practices."

That versatility required at tight end is very demanding.

"I think it might be one of the hardest positions on the field, because you have to know all the offensive line calls, all the running plays, then you have to know the passing routes and everything as well. It's pretty hard," said Frost, but a good tight end can bring a great deal to an offense.

"Stretching the seam is something we all can do and I think we'll see that a little bit more this year," said Nicol.

"I think when you have a tight end that can consume some of the middle of the field and be a dominant blocker and a solid receiver, it opens up your offense. It's endless what you can do with a good tight end. Look at NFL or college teams with a good tight end. Their offenses just expand and expand."

Newcomers Impressing: Several members of the recently signed recruiting class are on enrolled at Ohio State already and participating in spring drills. There have been a couple who have definitely stood out in the first few practices.

"I think Larry Grant, the JUCO kid that came in, has made some unbelievably athletic plays," said Rory Nicol of the new OSU linebacker.
"As far as being an athlete and making plays and just being a football player, he's really been impressive for sure."

Over on the offensive side of the ball, running back Chris Wells continues to earn praise as well as sophomore wide receiver Brian Robiske.
"I think Brian Robiske has stood out if I had to name a guy off the top of my head and I think Chris Wells has looked good physically," said Nicol.

"Mentally, he's (Wells) young and has a long way to go but he's just been here five practices."

Bringing the Lumber: The OSU tight ends line up every day across from the OSU defensive ends. Nobody knows better which of those defensive ends are the most difficult to handle than the tight ends. According to Brandon Smith, there are some defensive ends on the roster right now that can really bring it.​
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"(Alex) Barrow has a good pop on him, Jay (Richardson) is a senior and he comes off the ball pretty good, Vernon Gholstin is one of the bigger, stronger guys on the team so he's packing a wallop," said Smith.
"There's no weak link in there."

Defensive end is just one of many positions where the Buckeyes are looking to fill positions on the defense, but Nicol, like other Buckeyes this spring, says the OSU defense is not exactly a mere shell of its old self.

"That defense isn't going to be weak," said Nicol.
"People fail to realize how many guys are over there that played significant time here.​
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"They need to mesh together, but as far as having individuals who are great players, we have them. They're going to be fine. They're a physical unit and fasts. We have a lot of speed over there and a lot of young guys who are anxious to make a name for themselves and some coaches who know what it takes," Nicol said.

On the speed issue, Nicol is particularly impressed with one linebacker coming back from an injury last season whose speed he compares to that of A. J. Hawk.

"I think Marcus (Freeman) is all the way back, he's so fast," said Nicol.​
 
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Now that Frost is gone for the year (maybe for good) it stands to reason Rory Nicol will see an increased role in the offense. I wonder how Rory will handle the increased pressure? I imagine he will step up to the challenge and have a great year.

The bigger question is who will be the 2nd TE now?
 
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Anyone see Nicol's frustration when he was stopped short of the first down with his one reception? It looked like he either threw his helmet on the ground or was about to. Let's hope he keeps those emotions in control.
 
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I know its early in the season and he doesn't have that much experience but he just looks a little bit uncomfortable out there to me. He doesn't seem that quick into and out of his routes and his hands are a bit shaky. Could be jitters as he's on a big stage and young. I hope he gets himself ironed out. We need that extra weapon when Gonzo and Ginn get doubled.
 
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Bestbuck36;602642; said:
I know its early in the season and he doesn't have that much experience but he just looks a little bit uncomfortable out there to me. He doesn't seem that quick into and out of his routes and his hands are a bit shaky. Could be jitters as he's on a big stage and young. I hope he gets himself ironed out. We need that extra weapon when Gonzo and Ginn get doubled.

I agree to some extent, but just watch his blocking, and I think he is the best blocking TE since Hartsock. Much better than Hamby.
 
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BuckBackHome;602583; said:
Anyone see Nicol's frustration when he was stopped short of the first down with his one reception? It looked like he either threw his helmet on the ground or was about to. Let's hope he keeps those emotions in control.

I thought he was frustrated at himself for not running his route past the yard marker before he turned outside. Don't need to be running 2 yard routes when it's 3rd and 4.
As long as he shows it after he's on the sidelines, I like the intensity - shows he cares.
 
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PSU Football: Beaver graduate is starting TE for top-ranked Ohio State
Friday, September 22, 2006

By Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Rory Nicol had planned on competing for the starting tight end position at Ohio State this season, but nothing was certain. Nicol, a Beaver High School graduate, was coming off a foot injury that prevented him from playing last season and had a talented teammate who had starting experience in front of him on the depth chart.

Then, in the first week of preseason camp, the doors opened up for Nicol. Marcel Frost, a junior and the Buckeyes' starting tight end, was suspended from the team for one year for a violation of team policy. In one instant, Nicol, a 6-foot-5, 250-pounder, went from role player to starter on the No. 1 team in the nation.

"Anytime you see a teammate go, it's hard," Nicol said. "We had a great friendship, so it was tough. That was an unfortunate situation. But at the same time I knew that being a starter at Ohio State is a huge responsibility. I worked very hard in the offseason to rehabilitate my foot. The Big Ten is a long season. It's a dogfight every week. I knew I had to physically and mentally prepare myself for that."

Nicol is not playing like a first-year starter. He has stepped into a high-powered offense and the Buckeyes have not missed a beat. He was considered a better blocker than Frost but is developing into a trusted receiver for Troy Smith, Ohio State's Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback.

Nicol is fourth on the Buckeyes (3-0) in receptions with six for 52 yards. Three of those catches came in last week's victory against Cincinnati.

"We've been very pleased with Rory," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "We thought he was going to be a very good one. He played some as a true freshman two years ago in a backup role and then he had an injury last year that kept him out the whole year. He came on and had a solid spring. His understanding of what we need from that position keeps getting better. He's a very talented kid. He's not only a good blocker but he's a very capable receiver."

Nicol was one of a handful of true freshmen to crack Ohio State's two-deep in 2004. He served in a reserve role on a rebuilding team and caught his first career touchdown against Iowa. He was expected to challenge for playing time last season, but ligaments were torn in his right foot in camp and he had to sit out the season with a medical redshirt.

Nicol missed out on a season in which Ohio State shared the Big Ten championship with Penn State and played in the Fiesta Bowl. But this season could be even better. The Buckeyes are one of the favorites to win the national championship.

Nicol realizes he is in an enviable position as a starter on the top-ranked team in the country. He likened playing at Ohio State to playing for the Steelers in Pittsburgh. "It's a football-crazy town, similar to Pittsburgh," he said. "It's fun. I take none of it for granted. We have to be thankful that we have the No. 1 ranking and the national stage we have every week. It's an honor."

This week's stage is Ohio Stadium. The top-ranked Buckeyes welcome No. 24 Penn State (2-1) for a game that has become of the Big Ten's better matchups. Penn State beat Ohio State, 17-10, last year at Beaver Stadium and earned the Big Ten's Bowl Championship Series bid.

Nicol is one of two former WPIAL players at Ohio State. Receiver Devon Lyons of Woodland Hills is the other. Nicol was recruited by Penn State but never seriously considered the Lions. He is proud of his Beaver County roots and noted that Penn State All-American Paul Posluszny is a fellow Beaver County resident. Nicol's father and Posluszny's father work together at US Airways. He called Posluszny "a role model for Beaver County."

It was those Beaver County connections that attracted Ohio State to Nicol. Even though Beaver isn't a big school and competes in WPIAL AA football, the Buckeyes coaching staff saw ability that would translate to major-college football.

Tressel said the caliber of competition does not matter as much as the talent in the player.

"He comes from a part of the world where football is very important," Tressel said. "In Beaver, Pennsylvania, football is ingrained in the culture. He's right there in the shadow of the Steelers and the Pitt Panthers and across the state line from the Browns and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"Football is a part of what Rory Nicol is about. So, it doesn't matter what size school or how many games you win. If you find a talented young man with good character and good academics, who happens to be [6-5], I think it's a good bet."

It's a bet that has started to pay dividends for the Buckeyes.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Ray Fittipaldo can be reached at [email protected] or 412-263-1230. )

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06265/724018-143.stm
 
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