SPRINGDALE — When Isaiah Nichols walked into the Springdale field house two years ago with no football experience, the odds of him becoming an SEC defensive lineman had to be mighty slim.
But that is exactly what Nichols (6-4, 275) will be for Arkansas, the school he committed to on June 21.
Springdale head coach and former Arkansas quarterback Zak Clark feels blessed to have watched the process and have Nichols for one more year.
“He is a kid that showed up two years ago and just wanted to play football,” Clark said. “Seeing him progress and get better made me realize that he could be a big-time football player. It’s been a joy to be a part of.”
Nichols got his offer after the Razorbacks inaugural Trench Hogs Camp for offensive and defensive linemen on June 18th.
It was his 12th offer, but the one he had been waiting for the most.
“He was really hoping that Arkansas would offer and he went out and earned it,” Clark said. “He did everything they wanted him to do - he went to camp and did really well. I am just real happy for the guy.”
Nichols had 54 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and blocked a field goal as a junior after playing just four games as a sophomore due to injury.
“He is so explosive and has great feet,” Clark said. “What he is getting better at with experience is just the technical aspect. His hands are so much better than they were.
“He plays with great leverage, but he is learning how to read blocks and not get trapped. Every day he gets better. It’s unbelievable that every time we get out to the field that he gets better.
“I am excited to see what his ceiling is.”
Springdale started last season 3-1, but ended 4-7 after dealing with a car wreck which killed talented wideout Kyler Williams.
“For most kids, it was the first time they had to deal with tragedy and death,” Clark said. “You hope it never happens - a tragic car wreck like that, but I think it was neat to see the kids come together. I know we care more about each other and cherish the time we do have more than we did ninth months ago.”
The Bulldogs, who hired Clark after going winless in 2014, appear on the verge of being able to compete in the 7A-West this season with 14 returning starters.
“We will have to have some things fall our way like we will have top stay injury free, but we are getting better,” Clark said. “Getting better is miles from where it was two years ago and if we have some good fortune we have a chance to compete and we are excited about this year.”
“We have played so many sophomores the last two years and eventually they grow up and become juniors and seniors. This is the first year since I have been here that we have over 10 returning starters so that is encouraging.”