With their second pick in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Nebraska OT Carl Nicks. The pick, the 164th overall, was obtained from the New England Patriots as part of the trade package the Saints and Patriots worked out yesterday when the Saints loved up in the first round while surrendering their third round pick and getting the Patriots' fifth round pick in return.
Following is the biography on Carl Nicks:
CARL NICKS
Offensive Tackle/Guard
University of Nebraska Cornhuskers
#77
6:04.7-343
Salinas, California
Hartnell Junior College
New Mexico State University
North Salinas High School
OVERVIEW
Nicks found a home with the Huskers, stationing himself at the demanding left offensive tackle position as a senior, his only season as a starter. With his massive frame, long wing span and aggressive nature, it was commonplace to see opposing defensive linemen engulfed by Nicks on a regular basis.
For a player of his size, he is effective at getting out in front on drive blocks and excels in the passing game. In 481 pass plays during his final campaign, he allowed just one quarterback sack and one pressure.
At North Salinas High School, Nicks was a standout defensive tackle, playing at a mere 280 pounds. He earned All-County honors from the Monterey Herald and was a first-team All-Area choice. He added All-Tri County Athletic League first-team accolades and was named the league's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2002.
Nicks enrolled at New Mexico State in 2003, appearing in five games as a reserve defensive tackle. He recorded three tackles with a stop behind the line of scrimmage and also recovered a fumble. He entered 2004 spring camp about to make the move to offensive guard, but academic problems forced him to transfer to Hartnell Junior College the following season.
At Harnell College, Nicks earned 2005 California Community College Football Coaches Association first-team All-American honors and Region II first-team All-California accolades as an offensive lineman while playing for head coach Larry Souza. Nicks also was named a third-team JC-Gridwire/JCFootball.com All-American, as he helped lead Hartnell to a 7-4 record and a conference championship. He received a four-star rating from Scout.com and Rivals.com, which listed him as the 35th-best junior college prospect in the country. He also competed on the track team in the shot put and discus.
Nicks then enrolled at Nebraska in 2006, where he served as a valuable "sixth man" on the offensive line. He also performed on the PAT and field goal units. Late in the season, he earned a pair of starts vs. Colorado and Oklahoma at right offensive tackle.
Nicks earned second-team All-Big Twelve Conference recognition as a senior for the Huskers in 2006. He started eleven games at left tackle, coming off the bench vs. Kansas State after being suspended for the first quarter of that contest due to disciplinary reasons. Despite the offense's struggles to put W's up on the win column, he provided excellent pass protection as the Nebraska quarterbacks completed a school season-record 296 passes.
In his only season as a starter, he allowed just one quarterback sack and one pressure on 481 pass plays. He registered 76 knockdowns, coming up with key blocks on fourteen touchdown drives, as he finished the year with an 83.4 percent grade for blocking consistency.
CAREER NOTES
Nicks played 23 games at Nebraska, starting thirteen contests, including eleven at left tackle in 2007 and two at right tackle in 2006…He allowed just one quarterback sack and one pressure during his two seasons with the Huskers.
2007 SEASON
Super Sleeper Team selection by The NFL Draft Report…All-Big Twelve Conference second-team choice…Started eleven games at left offensive tackle…Registered 76 knockdowns, coming up with key blocks on fourteen touchdown drives, finishing with an 83.42 percent grade for blocking consistency…Also made a pair of tackles after Nebraska interceptions…Provided excellent pass protection, allowing just one quarter-back sack and one pressure on 481 pass plays, as the Nebraska QBs completed a school season-record 296 attempts…Was called for just one penalty on a total of 898 plays.
2006 SEASON
Nicks appeared in eleven games during his first season at Nebraska, serving as the top backup behind starting right tackle Matt Slauson for much of the campaign…Made a pair of starts to end the season vs. Colorado and in the Big Twelve Conference Championship Game vs. Oklahoma while Slauson nursed an injury…Also served as a regular blocker on the Huskers' PAT and field goal units…Helped the team average 414.6 yards per game in total offense.
2005 SEASON
Attended Hartnell (Salinas, Ca.) Junior College…Earned California Community College Football Coaches Association first-team All-American honors and Region II first-team All-California accolades as an offensive lineman while playing for head coach Larry Souza… Named a third-team JC-Gridwire/JCFootball.com All-American, as he helped lead Hartnell to a 7-4 record and a conference championship…Received a four-star rating from Scout.com and Rivals.com, which listed him as the 35th-best junior college prospect in the country…Also competed on the track team in the shot put and discus.
2004 SEASON
Switched to offensive guard in spring drills at New Mexico State, but was ruled academically ineligible.
2003 SEASON
Played in five games as a true freshman at New Mexico State (Western New Mexico, Oregon State, New Mexico, Idaho and Utah State, lining up as a reserve defensive tackle… Recorded three tackles (2 assists) with a stop behind the line of scrimmage…Recovered a fumble and posted two stops, including one for a loss vs. Western New Mexico…Added a solo tackle in the Oregon State clash…Wore jersey #94 while playing for the Aggies.
CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
5.19 in the 40-yard dash…435-pound bench press…580-pound squat…335-pound power clean…28.5-inch vertical jump…35-inch arm length…9 ¼-inch hands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended North Salinas (Cal.) High School…Standout defensive tackle, earning All-County honors from the Monterey Herald and was a first-team All-Area choice…Added All-Tri County Athletic League first-team accolades and was named the league's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2002.
PERSONAL
Sociology major…Married, wife's name is Bridget…Couple has a three-year-old daughter, Serena…Son of Carl Nicks, Sr…Born 3/05/83…Resides in Salinas, California.
The Saints are next expected to select in the 6th round with the 178th choice overall.
