After two seasons of spot duty, former University of South Florida standout Stephen Nicholas has emerged as a defensive leader for the Atlanta Falcons.
Third on USF's career list with 326 tackles, Nicholas is making an impact in his first year as a starting linebacker as the struggling Falcons (5-5) prepare for Sunday's home game against the Bucs.
"Steven has been thrust into a starting role this year,'' said Atlanta coach Mike Smith today. "Last season, he was more of a special teams player. He's playing the SAM linebacker spot and I know he played there for the Bulls. He's playing on first and second down and his role from last year to this year has changed significantly.''
Nicholas, a fourth-round pick in 2007, ranks fifth on the Falcons with 54 stops, including three tackles for loss. He has also been adept as a blitzer with three sacks and Nicholas has added three quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
"He's done a nice job for us,'' Smith said. "He continues to develop and we think he's going to be a cornerstone for us for quite some time.''
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