With George Chaump at the helm for the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the 47th
annual PNC Big 33 Football Classic, Ohio State recruit Rory Nicol of Beaver Area
High School is excited about the role that he is likely to be called upon to
play in the Keystoners offensive scheme.
"The week's gone well," Nicol said. "We came into it with not
too much stuff for the tight ends, but as the week went on, a little progress
was made. We've got some routes we're going to be running and some blocks we're
going to be making."
He's just excited to be a part of the prestigious all-star game, regardless
of the role he ultimately plays, and he wants his team to earn a victory.
"I'm
just really here for the experience. It's a honor to be here, there's no
complaints," Nicol said. "I just want to get out there and play a
successful game and get a win."
Nicol proclaimed himself to be in good physical condition for the game after
working out with his future OSU teammates for almost a full calendar month
before he arrived in Hershey.
"I was in Columbus for a month running with the team but just coming out
here banging is a little different obviously," he said. "But you get
those first three days to get over that hump and you're fine and ready to
go."
Nicol is slated to play only on the offensive side of the ball during the
game.
"Just tight end I'm playing right now. Our defensive ends are here to
play defense," he said. "Things are going well for me at tight end.
I'm back in the groove, and I feel strong, and I feel fast and I feel great out
there. It's just a great honor to be here."
Having Chad Henne and Anthony Morelli under center may also have something to
do with him feeling so well right now.
"They're both incredible. They're on the money, both of them,"
Nicol said. "I've never seen arms like that in my life. So it's an exciting
thing and I don't think you've got to worry too much about the ball not being
there."
The Pennsylvania All-Stars got to meet their respective buddies for the first
time on Thursday. The Ohio team did the same on Tuesday.
"You just have to put things into perspective and stay grounded,"
Nicol said. "We're blessed and these kids would do anything to be in our
shoes. It's just an honor to be here and represent PA to the fullest and just
realize everyday is a gift and not to take it for granted because it could be
gone at any second of any day."
The friendships that Nicol and his Buckeye teammates on the Pa. squad have
already made with some of the players on the Ohio team are likely going to be
around for a long time regardless of what team comes away with a victory in the
game, but those friendships are sort of on hold until Saturday.
"We see them in lunch but we haven't talked with them too much," he
said. "Ben Person and Chad Hoobler were our roommates up at school so we
have a little friendly competition going. But we haven't seen much of them
throughout the week, so I guess we'll see them Saturday night and see how it
goes."
Nicol with his buddy for the week