Here's an article I did on him about 10 days ago.
Batesville, MS.- South Panola athlete Nickalos Brassell is an elite playmaker on both sides of the ball. At 6'0" 175 pounds he's got a big burst for his first step and is very fluid in his stride. He's got his pick of the litter with over 20 major offers and still counting. He's being recruited on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and a defensive back. He remains open to any position on the football field.
"I know I have over 20 (offers). USC, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Arkansas, UCLA, Notre Dame, and Alabama are a few I can think of. They are all recruiting me as wide receiver or defensive back. Most of them tell me it's my choice. I'm open to any position, whichever one gets me on the field and helps my team. I play both ways at school. We are going to be pretty good this year too. We were all juniors last year and now we are seniors, we didn't lose anybody really. Everybody is at summer practices working hard right now."
With so many offers in hand, Nickalos singled out several schools that are showing strong interest.
"Alabama, UCLA, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Tennessee are all recruiting me very hard. Alabama, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State stay in contact often. I don't have a top list right now. I want to see who offers and then narrow it down this summer. I've been to Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Alabama for junior days. I'm also planning on going to UCLA this weekend as well. I'm pretty excited to head out there and check it out."
With several schools in the mix, Nickalos spoke about what he is looking for in a school.
"A place I can find a career at. I want to get a good education and find a place that feels like home, a place where I can just fit in. The coaches all tell me they like my hard work. I work hard every day, I'm very competitive at everything. I never quit and I get after it. I'm just working on my speed right now, and really just everything. I want to get it all down."
Nickalos spoke about his visit to Tuscaloosa to check out their junior day.
"They are a winning program. They just won a national championship. I've been down there a couple of times. I've got a good relationship with the coaches and players. Coach Bo Davis is recruiting me and he's great. They tell me it's up to me where I want to play."
"Tennessee, haven't heard a lot from them. It's a good school and they are in a tough conference. The SEC is the best conference. I want to visit them to see what I like. I'm trying to set up a visit to get down there. I know I'll get over there some time."
There is no specific date in mind for his commitment. And there is still one school that he hopes to hear more from.
"My junior high days growing up I was a LSU fan. I would like to hear more even though they have offered. I'm' still open to any school that wants to recruit me though."
In closing he had only one thing for college fans to know.
"I'm very down to earth. I'm not all about all of this attention. I just want to work hard, I always work hard, and I never quit. Whoever gets me is going to get the complete package."
ESPN Scouts Inc. Evaluation:
Brassell is a playmaker with a smooth stride and slashing running style. He is a run heavy pro-style scheme so he gets a lot of looks on screens and off play-action to get him matched-up on-on-one and in space. Has adequate height and a lean, muscular build. He is explosive off the ball and has good first step quickness out of the break as a route runner and also as a ball carrier. Shows adequate burst off the line of scrimmage, but tends to build speed as he goes downfield. He has very good body control and sneaky acceleration out of his cuts. His awareness and his ability to use his body to screen defenders allow him to get open. He has a good feel for zone coverage, gets to the open areas and has good awareness in man coverage. He uses his hands well to get hands off and beat the press. He has soft hands and has the ability to catch the ball away from his body and on the run. He has a knack for making the catch on the sideline and has no reluctance going over the middle and making a tough catch. Has deceptive speed and quickness after the catch. We are not convinced he ahs great speed, but he does show a sneaky second gear when tracking the ball and also when getting upfield after the catch. He is not yet a polished route runner and does not always play under control or with a lot of discipline. Wins on athleticism at this level and must learn the little nuances of the position. Overall, Brassell is a good player that is not in a pass happy scheme. He could be even better with more tutelage within the position.
