Derek Nicholson did not become one of the top rising senior prospects in the country overnight. The 6-2, 228 pound Mount Tabor High School (Winston-Salem, NC) middle linebacker has always possessed uncanny ability and athleticism, but it is his work ethic that has made him into the player he is today – a player that currently boasts around 17 official scholarship offers.

“The one reason Derek is great – actually there are many reasons – but the most important thing I think is as great a football player as he is, as great an athlete as he is, he’s always worked hard,” Mount Tabor Head Coach Bob Sapp said. “He has tremendous work ethic. He’s gone from being a good athlete and having potential to being a great player by not letting his potential sit there. He’s got coachability and the ability to make himself better.”

Nicholson exhibited his talent as a freshman, when he made 123 tackles while playing linebacker alongside his brother AJ, who is now at Florida State on a football scholarship. The year before, in eighth grade, is when Derek really began his training, which he has continued up to this day.

He lifts weights everyday. After school, he does speed training work, hoping to improve upon his already impressive speed – Derek runs a 4.55 in the 40 yard dash. His workout doesn’t end at school, however, as he returns home to run his routine of sprint-jog-stride-walk. He also runs hills to improve his endurance.

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