clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Only Nico Sawtelle Days Until USF Football Season

#54 joins the active roster this season and finds an uphill climb for regular playing time.

Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

#54 LB Nico Sawtelle
Redshirt Freshman, 6'2", 215 lbs.

That's Pronounced... NEE-ko Saw-TELL.

2015 Stats: Nico redshirted last year.

Position on Depth Chart: Sawtelle is not listed on the post-spring depth chart.

How He Came To USF: Nico played at Jensen Beach High School, near Port St. Lucie and Stuart on the Atlantic coast of Florida. In his last two years as a Falcon, Sawtelle collected 286 tackles and 23 sacks, and as a senior in 2014, he was named to the Class 6A all-state third team. Nico committed to USF after starring at the Bulls' Saturday Night Live Camp in July 2014, and stuck with them to signing day.

Recruiting Rankings: 247, ESPN, and Rivals gave Nico three stars. Scout gave him two stars.

Projected Playing Time: With only two linebacker spots in the 4-2-5, it'll be hard for Nico to get on the field there this year. He might play on the kick coverage teams, or if he can't get any bigger in the weight room, maybe the coaches decide to give him a look at the striker (hybrid LB/safety) position to take advantage of his pass coverage skills.

Follow Him On... Sawtelle is on Twitter at @Nico11swoll, and on Instagram at nico11bull.