‘That Dude’ shines on front line for Red’Dogs

SPRINGDALE — Midway through the 2015 season, Isaiah Nichols provided a glimpse of what many have now come to know him by.

Bursting through the right side of the Bentonville High offensive line, the then-6-foot-2 defensive end dropped all-state running back Jacob Clark for a loss on third down. Instant recognition — and a lasting nickname — followed his first varsity action.

“I had been building him up during that broadcast and when he made a tackle in the backfield I was so excited I forgot his name for a second,” said Zach Arns, the radio voice of the Springdale Bulldogs. “And ‘That Dude’ was born.”

The nickname personifies Nichols’ play and is indicative of his character. As a sophomore, football was brand new to Nichols, but those around the Red’Dogs’ program quickly recognized his potential and innate ability. Following a 14-tackle sophomore season, Nichols (6-foot-4, 275 pounds) erupted for 64 tackles, 13 for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 2016.

But there’s more to the senior than his on-field production. Springdale coach Zak Clark said Nichols is reat teammate and team leader.

“The effort he gives during every single workout, that means a whole lot more than any one player can say at any point,” Clark said. “They all respect him because of the way he goes about his business every day whether nobody is out there or everybody is out there. He truly loves being in the fieldhouse, loves being with teammates and loves doing the dirty work.”

Last season, Nichols’ strongest performances came late in the schedule, and perhaps none topped a dominant effort in a 39-10 win at Van Buren to snap a three-game losing streak following the death of star receiver Kyler Williams. After two days of preparation for the Pointers’ wishbone offense, Nichols tallied seven tackles and a career-best 3.5 for loss. Van Buren finished with three yards passing.

“There was a play in the second half where he caught the running back flat-footed and de-cleated him,” Arns said. “I actually said during the broadcast that the Van Buren Police should have stopped the game and filed a report.”

Clark said the senior evolved from a player who could give defenses problems in 2015 to one that can now dominate stretches of games. Entering this fall Nichols is well aware teams will scheme specifically for him. It’s a blessing and a curse, but comes with the territory, he said.

“You make yourself a target and put in the work, people are going to recognize it and other teams are going to gameplan to stop you,” said Nichols, who headlines a defense coaches have labeled The Nightmares. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve just got to push through no matter what they throw at me, and keep grinding.

Subsequently, Nichols drew the attention of Power 5 schools across the nation. Scholarship offers rolled in routinely this spring from Big 12, ACC and SEC schools such as Kansas State, North Carolina State, Missouri, Mississippi State and Arkansas — his dream school, where he committed on June 23.

Above all else, Clark was proudest of his defensive tackle’s maturity and humility throughout a recruiting process that can, in some instances, create excessive ego, complacency and needless distractions. There was none of that, Clark said.

“He still puts team success and team goals over his own,” the coach added. “He knows now it’s time to make this team better, build his teammates up and give this program every opportunity to be successful.”

Two years ago Nichols’ height and weight wasn’t listed in some game programs. Now, all eyes are on No. 93 in red.