Drew Nichols is 17 years old and a senior left offensive tackle at Murrieta Valley High. Committed to Michigan State, he’s part of an offensive line so massive in size that when the players walk into a restaurant buffet line, heads turn in fear that all the shrimp suddenly will disappear.
“We’re going to a buffet this week,” said Nichols, who is 6 feet 5 and 276 pounds. “I’m a little nervous. Everyone is going to turn white when we walk in.”
Let’s be honest: Football teams are only as good as their blockers, which helps explain how Murrieta Valley has won five of six games even though its standout quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, has yet to make an appearance while recovering from a knee injury.
“We knew we’d be able to run the ball,” coach George Wilson said.
The blockers start with Nichols, who was recruited by most Big Ten schools until settling on Michigan State. Family from his mother’s side live in Michigan and are either Michigan Wolverines or Michigan State Spartans fans. He thinks the Wolverines supporters will be changing allegiance.