Dominic Nichols recently discussed the unique intensity and physicality that sets the Wolverines apart from other top tier programs like Georgia. Here’s why Michigan is “just different” compared to other schools like Georgia that he visited as a recruit:
Michigan Wolverines defensive end Dominic Nichols recently spoke about the unique intensity and physicality that sets spring practice in Ann Arbor apart from other programs.
Speaking to the media recently, Nichols reflected on his high school recruiting process by comparing the relentless spring training at Michigan to what he observed during recruiting trip to Georgia.
“I visited a lot of schools during my recruiting process and I remember comparing Michigan’s spring ball to Georgia,” Nichols said. “Obviously, Georgia was one of the best teams in the country as well, but this place is just different. We’re training soldiers is what it feels like. We’re going at it everyday like we should be and building towards winning every game.”
Nichols noted the increased physicality at Michigan was on another level and that practices are more intense than at the other schools he visited. The former three-star visited multiple programs throughout his recruitment, and many schools he visited didn’t emphasize the same kind of physical contact in practice.
“Physicality was the biggest difference. It’s not normal to go somewhere and see the Beat Ohio drill, sirens going off and dudes just getting ready to hit for three hours,” Nichols said. “Most schools don’t do that because they’re trying to save guys (from injuries). We have time to get healthy. We can go ahead and bang in the spring. That’s how it should be.”
While other programs may focus on staying healthy, Nichols said Michigan’s practices are known for intensity. The Wolverines approach every single practice with the mentality of competing at the highest level, which includes heavy-hitting and a high-contact style that is becoming increasingly rare in the spring.
The commitment to physicality helps prepare Michigan for the grueling demands the season. Even though it might not be the status quo anymore, the aggressive-nature that remains commonplace for the Wolverines has certainly paid off as the program continues to be one of the most durable and tough teams in the country.
“I think this spring is a little more intense,” Nichols said. “We were going through coaching changes last spring and for me, it’s even more intense because I came here as an early enrollee last year so I was still getting used to the whole process. This spring, we’re definitely ready to go and we’re ready to play football. Everybody wants to be out there and compete.”
Sherrone Moore recently said Nichols will have a key role in the edge rotation behind starters TJ Guy and Derrick Moore . Nichols put his potential on display in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama, and he should be able to keep the momentum going into his sophomore year.
“That was a huge game for me,” Nichols said. “Getting to play against Alabama was just a great opportunity for me and Cam (Brandt). It was good to get out there with him. It’s easy to carry that momentum. We went from whooping Ohio State to whooping Alabama, and you just roll into spring ball with that confidence. It’s easy to make plays when you’re confident.”
With spring camp ramping up, Nichols knows the physical practices are setting the team up for success. If his performance against Alabama — which included two tackles and a forced fumble — is any indication of what type of player he can be off the edge, he could be in store for a breakout season.