Blake Nichelson, All-American Bowl linebacker, feels 'chemistry' with Oregon Ducks on 3rd visit

Following the 700-prospect Northwest Showcase camp at Western Oregon University, several athletes took the opportunity to check out the Oregon Ducks and/or Oregon State Beavers.

For Manteca High School (California) star Blake Nichelson, that meant a third trip to Eugene to see the Oregon Ducks up close.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound athlete is an All-American Bowl selection and the nation's No. 12 linebacker, which has made him a massive priority for several schools.

While Nichelson is still looking around, Oregon made a big impression this weekend.

"We got there at 7 o'clock Saturday night," he said. "We just hung out. I went out with some of the players that night. Jump to the next morning, we ate and took photos and I saw more of the campus."

While Nichelson didn't experience a singular 'wow' moment on his trip, he said much of that is due to the fact that he's already grown so comfortable around the program and its coaches and players. 

"I've been there, what, three times now, so I have chemistry there," he said. "It's got more of a home feel, because of the amount of times I've been there. It's one of the programs I know the most out of all my offers." 

Nichelson said he projects as an inside linebacker in a "(Noah) Sewell-type role."

Nichelson will take official visits to Florida State (June 17) and Oregon (June 24), and is looking at the possibility of taking other official visits.

"Those two schools, UCLA, Nebraska and Washington are up there, too, as well," he said. 

The Huskies have a unique advantage in that he's know the staff the longest.

Nichelson's first offer came from Kalen DeBoer's Fresno State staff, so there's a long-standing relationship.

The next step could be an official visit to Seattle to check out the school.

"I have a lot of chemistry with them," he said. "I'm definitely going to try to go out there for an official sometime soon. I want to get a feel for how it is - the campus and the program." 

Regardless of how that maps out, a summer commitment feels highly plausible.

"Right now, I'm kind of thinking in August is when I'll be committing," Nichelson said.

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