FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Stephen Nicholas has been in this situation before.
He's worked as a starting linebacker, overcome the odds associated with being an NFL rookie and taken advantage of opportunities as they arrive.
But, this time, the stakes are a bit higher.
Atlanta is looking to replace two starters from 2008 at outside linebacker: Keith Brooking and Michael Boley. Both players left via free agency creating open competition and a chance for Nicholas, who must become a role model for younger players.
"They're great mentors," Nicholas said. " Keith Brooking has been in the league a long time. Michael Boley is a very experienced player. They're definitely mentors to me and I guess the business goes that way. They're great players and great mentors."
With players constantly on the move, Nicholas' newest opportunity wasn't totaly unexpected. It does, however, bring back memories of his rookie season and the early success that led coaches to endorse his talent.
The Falcons drafted Nicholas in the fourth round of the 2007 Draft. The team had a trio of starting linebackers at the time, including weak side linebacker Demorrio Williams, but liked the rookie's college numbers.
Williams started all 16 games in 2005, registering a career-high 132 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. He started 10 games the following year and entered 2007 training camp as the favorite to win the starting job again. But a torn pectoral muscle during offseason workouts delayed Williams return and opened a door for Nicholas on his first day in the NFL.
The rookie took hold of the opportunity and started the team's preseason opener.
Then-linebackers coach Brian VanGorder was pleased with how "comfortable" Nicholas was in his first NFL game. Williams eventually claimed the starting spot in time for the regular season but Nicholas' explosion, quickness and eagerness wasn't lost on the coaching staff.
He played in 13 games and recorded 37 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Head Coach Mike Smith moved Brooking to weak side linebacker in 2008 but Nicholas got on the field in passing situations, recording his first sack in Week 17. He also finished third on the team with 12 special teams tackles.
The third-year linebacker sees similarities between 2007 and his current circumstances but treats each opportunity separately.
"The only thing I can control is right now," he said after a recent offseason workout. " It's kind of hard to talk about what's next. I've got a lot of stuff in front of me... At this point, I need to focus on the upcoming season and try to be better than I was last year."
And better than he was as a 24-year-old rookie thrust into the starting lineup.
"You can say history is repeating itself," Nicholas said. "I know Coach VanGorder and know what to expect. He's a great coach and (linebackers) Coach (Glenn) Pires has been a great coach. I know what they expect of me."
