Interview: 2020 San Diego LB Ozzie Nicholas Flashed Power Five Potential in 2017

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When scouting high school football, some players just pop off the reel showing instant play-making abilities to all that watch. Watching video on Ozzie Austin Nicholas, his talents at linebacker shine through without hesitation. After earning a starting spot as a freshman for La Costa Canyon in 2016 at tight end, Nicholas showed out earning Avocado All-League honors as a sophomore at linebacker. The 6-1, 220-pound, San Diego product likes to bring the hammer to the pigskin party reading his keys like a well-seasoned senior. To no surprise, college coaches on the west coast are taking notice.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with one of California’s rising stars in the 2020 recruiting class gaining insight on his 2017 campaign and offseason workouts.

Interview

Ozzie, you were all over the field during your sophomore season working your way to first team All-League status. What parts of your game were working last year allowing you to be so productive?

“My guard reads and run defense was the strongest part of my play. Working with the linebackers around me, we worked well together. Having a good relationship with them on the field helped a lot.”

Which game was the most challenging for you last season, and why?

“I’d say the Mission Hills game. They had some really good players on that team, and they are well-coached. They had some talented guys like Jack Tuttle (quarterback – Utah signee), Sam Dixon (running back – Navy signee), and Chris Olave (receiver – Ohio State signee). It was a hard game but I learned a lot from it.”

How did that challenge help make you a better linebacker in the end?

“I learned how to compete against better players. Going against those guys at the top level, makes you play at that level. You learn what you can handle and how hard you can go.”

Which game was your best last season, and why do you consider that your best game?

“My best game was the San Marcos game. We had a comeback against them. I played a big part in that game. I forced a fumble and picked off a pass. The whole team played well in second half. Those kind of games shows you what you and the team are made of.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I’m working on gaining more weight and getting stronger in weight room. I’m working on my speed and agility as well. I’m working on coming off the ball as fast as I can ready to hit the line full-speed. I am also working on drops and my coverage. Playing with 619 Dream Chasers (7v7), that has helped me out a lot. I am better with man and zone coverage. I am looking forward to seeing what I can do this season.”

What goals have you set for yourself this spring and summer?

“I want to be a leader on the team. I want to make the team the best it can be. We have not reached our full potential yet. I want to do the best I can to make sure everyone does reach their full potential in the weight room and on the field. For me, I want to be the best player I can be.”

After a very successful sophomore season, do you plan to do anything differently with your game to game preparations during the 2018 schedule?

“Not really. I will be more confident. I now know I belong there. I know the defense and who we are playing against. I will be more confident next season, but not much will change with my preparation.

Are you attending any camps or combines this spring or summer?

“I am going to a Stanford and UCLA camp. I am trying to make it to a Cal and Arizona camp. I might try to hit the Ivy Leagues as well this summer.”

Which programs are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I have talked to some at my high school. UCLA has been by twice, Fresno State, San Jose State, and BYU have all come by for a quick meeting. I know San Diego State has talked to my coach about me, but I have not talked to them yet.”

Nice. Some fun questions to wrap up. Are you a talker on the field?

“I wasn’t as a sophomore, but recently, I have been talking a lot more in 7v7. You can expect some talking from me in the future.”

What do you or will you talk about with the opposition to get into their head this season?

“I like to say I know their plays, and they don’t know what they are doing (laughs). I watch a lot of film. I do know their plays and I let them know that I know what they are doing before they snap the ball. That scares them sometimes (laughs).”

I bet. What motivates you on the field, what hypes you up?

“The atmosphere of a game hypes me up. I have been playing it my entire life. Each time out is special. Being out there with my teammates and doing what I have prepared to do, that is special.”

Which opposing stadium is the most fun for you to line up and go after it?

“Definitely Torrey Pines. We beat them there this year (27-21). It is a good feeling to look up at the stands and see the fans leaving and our fans are cheering. I love beating them there.”

Ozzie, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: Nicholas family; No. 45 Ozzie Nicholas