Stephen Nicholas

Nicholas' 2007 Stats from NFL.com

TRANSACTIONS

Selected as a fourth round (109th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in 2007.

CAREER

2006 Big East first team selection.

Three-time member of the Butkus Watch List and was named to the Bronco Nagurski Trophy was list as a senior.

Ranked as the number five outside linebacker in the nation by The Sporting News.

His 320 career tackles ranks second on USF's all-time list and his 50.5 tackles for loss are a school record.

Displays excellent lateral speed and is known as a punishing tackler.

2006 SEASON

Led South Florida with 96 tackles and added 12 for a loss.

Logged 5.5 sacks and his first two career interceptions.

Tallied a team-high nine quarterback pressures and registered five passes defensed.

Blocked a kick against Rutgers.

2005 SEASON

Had seven sacks among a team-high 15.5 tackles for loss and 79 total tackles.

Posted two sacks in the season-opener at Penn State (9/3).

Notched 10 tackles in USF's game with N.C. State in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

In addition to All-Big East honors, was named USF's Defensive Playmaker of the Year.

2004 SEASON

Second on the team with 97 tackles, including 54 solo stops. His 11 tackles for loss were also second-most on the squad.

Started all 11 games at the SAM and WILL positions.

Recorded a season-high 16 tackles against Memphis (11/29) and forced a fumble.

Had three tackles for loss in a double overtime win over Cincinnati (10/31).

2003 SEASON

In addition to his Freshman All-America status, he was named as a Conference USA All-Freshman and was the USF Rookie of the Year.

Second in the nation among all freshmen with 5.5 sacks.

Started the final nine games and played in all 11.

Registered 46 tackles including 11 for losses.

Tallied a career-high seven tackles against TCU (10/10) and again at Memphis (11/29).

2002 SEASON

Played in each of the first three games and had two tackles, including one for a five-yard loss before an ankle injury led to a medical redshirt.

HIGH SCHOOL

Class 3A all-state linebacker in 2001.

Made 151 tackles in his senior season, including three sacks.

Played for the North squad in Jacksonville's annual Shrine Bowl.

As a junior, posted over 100 tackles and finished with over 300 in his prep career.

Leader of Lee High defense that allowed just 177 yards per game in 2001 and also played running back.

PERSONAL

Born May 1, 1983 as Stephen Leron Nicholas.