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University of Minnesota Athletics
Emerging from the Shadows - Mike Nicholson
10/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
The story is a bit different here in Minnesota, where the Golden Gophers have possessed one of most dominant and decorated offensive lines in the country over the past few seasons, including paving the way for the fifth best rushing attack in the nation last year and allowing only nine sacks on the season. This year’s group has picked up right where it left off, anchored by a trio of seniors. Yes, I said ‘trio,’ and no, it is not a misprint. While All-Big Ten left guard Mark Setterstrom and All-America center Greg Eslinger are the focal point of the Gophers’ talented offensive line, the man who takes his place just to the right of them also is very effective, valuable and deserves just as much credit. I introduce Mike Nicholson.
Playing in the shadows of his two popular comrades has never been an issue for Nicholson. He understands his role on the team and knows he has the support of those within the program. “The coaches really respect me a lot, being a fifth-year guy, and I get a lot of respect from the players as someone they usually look up to,” Nicholson said.
It is hard not to look up to this guy, who stands at 6-5 and is listed at 285 pounds. Even with that said, it is his invariable work ethic and the positive attitude that he brings to the locker room that are his most admirable qualities.
Nicholson is the consummate teammate, willing to do whatever is necessary to help the team succeed. He admits that playing alongside a barrage of talented players has made his job easier, but he does not sell himself short when describing his own contribution.
“Playing next to Greg and Mark for the past four years has been a luxury,” Nicholson commented. “I have just learned so much from the both of them, and they learn stuff from me, so we all kind of learn from each other.”
Number 60 has an abundance of knowledge to offer. Recognized as the most versatile member of Minnesota’s offensive line, Nicholson has gained experience at all three positions on the line during his career. Though he claims the starting spot at right guard this season, Nicholson has been periodically in and out of the starting lineup the past three years at various positions, including center, guard and tackle. The experience has only helped make him a better player by forcing him to work on his technique and enhance his knowledge of the game. “I need to know three positions, where everyone else only needs to know one,” Nicholson stated.
Which position Nicholson plays has no effect on his performance. His sole focus is on helping the team win, and he maintains that playing one position is really not any different than playing another. “It’s mostly technique, and I’ve been here for five years, so I’ve got the technique pretty much down,” Nicholson said. “If someone goes down and I have to play tackle, it’s no big problem.”
The zone-blocking scheme that the Gophers utilize requires that everyone be on the same page and play together, and with Mike Nicholson helping lead the way this will never be a problem. Nicholson’s experience at numerous positions has allowed him to emerge as one of this team’s most knowledgeable leaders. “I know the tackles’ calls, so I know where the tackle is going to be, where I am going to be, where the center is going to be, and who we are all blocking,” he said. “So that is just a big plus to know what we are all doing.”
Being part of the fraternity of great offensive linemen here at the “U” has been a wonderful opportunity for Nicholson and an experience that he describes as phenomenal. Now in his senior year, Nicholson hopes to pass the torch on to the next generation of great Golden Gopher offensive linemen, sharing his experience and knowledge of the game so that they may keep the tradition going for many years to come.
Playing Division I football is something Nicholson always dreamed of, and he took hold of the opportunity to play here at Minnesota. Though he has not always been one of the most recognizable names or faces on the team, he has always been a valuable component to its success. So the next time Laurence Maroney bursts through a hole up the middle for one of those memorable touchdown runs, or Bryan Cupito has time to pick apart a defense, remember, Mike Nicholson had something to do with it.
Story by Tory Kukowski, athletic communications student assistant The job of an offensive lineman is not one that is generally classified as glamorous. The credentials associated with the position include going to battle on every play while in return receiving very little recognition.
The story is a bit different here in Minnesota, where the Golden Gophers have possessed one of most dominant and decorated offensive lines in the country over the past few seasons, including paving the way for the fifth best rushing attack in the nation last year and allowing only nine sacks on the season. This year’s group has picked up right where it left off, anchored by a trio of seniors. Yes, I said ‘trio,’ and no, it is not a misprint. While All-Big Ten left guard Mark Setterstrom and All-America center Greg Eslinger are the focal point of the Gophers’ talented offensive line, the man who takes his place just to the right of them also is very effective, valuable and deserves just as much credit. I introduce Mike Nicholson.
Playing in the shadows of his two popular comrades has never been an issue for Nicholson. He understands his role on the team and knows he has the support of those within the program. “The coaches really respect me a lot, being a fifth-year guy, and I get a lot of respect from the players as someone they usually look up to,” Nicholson said.
It is hard not to look up to this guy, who stands at 6-5 and is listed at 285 pounds. Even with that said, it is his invariable work ethic and the positive attitude that he brings to the locker room that are his most admirable qualities.
Nicholson is the consummate teammate, willing to do whatever is necessary to help the team succeed. He admits that playing alongside a barrage of talented players has made his job easier, but he does not sell himself short when describing his own contribution.
“Playing next to Greg and Mark for the past four years has been a luxury,” Nicholson commented. “I have just learned so much from the both of them, and they learn stuff from me, so we all kind of learn from each other.”
Number 60 has an abundance of knowledge to offer. Recognized as the most versatile member of Minnesota’s offensive line, Nicholson has gained experience at all three positions on the line during his career. Though he claims the starting spot at right guard this season, Nicholson has been periodically in and out of the starting lineup the past three years at various positions, including center, guard and tackle. The experience has only helped make him a better player by forcing him to work on his technique and enhance his knowledge of the game. “I need to know three positions, where everyone else only needs to know one,” Nicholson stated.
Which position Nicholson plays has no effect on his performance. His sole focus is on helping the team win, and he maintains that playing one position is really not any different than playing another. “It’s mostly technique, and I’ve been here for five years, so I’ve got the technique pretty much down,” Nicholson said. “If someone goes down and I have to play tackle, it’s no big problem.”
The zone-blocking scheme that the Gophers utilize requires that everyone be on the same page and play together, and with Mike Nicholson helping lead the way this will never be a problem. Nicholson’s experience at numerous positions has allowed him to emerge as one of this team’s most knowledgeable leaders. “I know the tackles’ calls, so I know where the tackle is going to be, where I am going to be, where the center is going to be, and who we are all blocking,” he said. “So that is just a big plus to know what we are all doing.”
Being part of the fraternity of great offensive linemen here at the “U” has been a wonderful opportunity for Nicholson and an experience that he describes as phenomenal. Now in his senior year, Nicholson hopes to pass the torch on to the next generation of great Golden Gopher offensive linemen, sharing his experience and knowledge of the game so that they may keep the tradition going for many years to come.
Playing Division I football is something Nicholson always dreamed of, and he took hold of the opportunity to play here at Minnesota. Though he has not always been one of the most recognizable names or faces on the team, he has always been a valuable component to its success. So the next time Laurence Maroney bursts through a hole up the middle for one of those memorable touchdown runs, or Bryan Cupito has time to pick apart a defense, remember, Mike Nicholson had something to do with it.
Story by Tory Kukowski, athletic communications student assistant
