UND.com takes you inside the first spring practice of 2012 and looks at the key position battles the team will face - quarterback, cornerback and the right side of the offensive line.
CAREER: The tallest player on Notre Dame's roster is competing for the vacant right tackle position in the starting lineup ... a former high school tight end and defensive end who moved to offensive tackle when he arrived at Notre Dame ... has not played in his Notre Dame career.
2011 (SOPHOMORE): Did not see any game action during the season
2010 (FRESHMAN): Did not see game action during the 2010 season.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Caught 28 passes for 455 yards and three touchdowns as senior tight end and defensive end in 2009 at Ryle High School in Union, Ken. ... one of 22 players on Class of the Commonwealth squad for 2009 by Lexington Herald-Leader ... second-team 2009 all-state pick in Kentucky in athlete category by Louisville Courier-Journal ... first-team selection as tight end on Cincinnati Enquirer Northern Kentucky Football All-Stars ... one of two recipients of Brian Williams "That's My Boy" Award given by local chapter of National Football Foundation to top scholar-athlete in Northern Kentucky ... helped Ryle to 9-4 record in 2009, including second-round Kentucky playoff loss to eventual state champion St. Xavier ... one of Ryle's four losses in 2009 came to eventual state champion Highlands team that includes current Notre Dame teammate Austin Collinsworth ... played wide receiver as sophomore, then moved to tight end for junior and senior seasons ... distant relative of former Irish tight end Kyle Rudolph ... played for coach Bryson Warner at Ryle ... son of Dave and Annie Nichols ... enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in marketing.
