Miami Hurricanes' inside linebackers coach, Derek Nicholson, spoke to media following Thursday morning's spring practice in Coral Gables. He was asked about two players in particular who he says are making an impact during spring practice: Francisco Mauigoa and Bobby Washington.
Discussing Francisco Mauigoa, a transfer from Washington State who is starting his first season with the Hurricanes, Nicholson said, “Francisco is very consistent, he's very instinctive, has very, very good awareness. Really good football player; active, athletic, he does a lot of good things. It's hard to find a lot of weaknesses."
Nicholson expressed excitement at the opportunity to work with Mauigoa, adding, "Excited to be able to coach him, teach him, mentor him and he'll have a great year this year.”
Nicholson also praised freshman linebacker Bobby Washington, a standout from Palmetto High School. Describing Washington's abilities, Nicholson stated, “Unbelievable athlete – long, big, athletic, tough, twitchy, can run I mean very, very fast and very, very explosive. When he walks out on the field he sticks out like a sore thumb." Nicholson acknowledged Washington's youth but expressed confidence in his future, saying, "Obviously he's a young player, he's continually learning what to do and when to do what and how to use what tools. Bobby has a very bright future and I'm excited to be able to coach him and mentor him as well. Very excited about Bobby's upside in his future.”
Additionally, Nicholson discussed his transition to coaching in Coral Gables after previously coaching at Louisville. He expressed admiration for the Hurricanes' new defensive coordinator, Lance Guidry, who is also in his first season with the team. Speaking highly of Guidry, Nicholson said, “Man, he's awesome. Very, very vibrant and enthusiastic. He loves ball, he’s very meticulous and wants the best out of each and every player and coach and is gonna hold you accountable and that's all you want. He's a true leader – he leads by example you know some some guys talk it but don't lead it; and he leads by example.”
Discussing Francisco Mauigoa, a transfer from Washington State who is starting his first season with the Hurricanes, Nicholson said, “Francisco is very consistent, he's very instinctive, has very, very good awareness. Really good football player; active, athletic, he does a lot of good things. It's hard to find a lot of weaknesses."
Nicholson expressed excitement at the opportunity to work with Mauigoa, adding, "Excited to be able to coach him, teach him, mentor him and he'll have a great year this year.”
Nicholson also praised freshman linebacker Bobby Washington, a standout from Palmetto High School. Describing Washington's abilities, Nicholson stated, “Unbelievable athlete – long, big, athletic, tough, twitchy, can run I mean very, very fast and very, very explosive. When he walks out on the field he sticks out like a sore thumb." Nicholson acknowledged Washington's youth but expressed confidence in his future, saying, "Obviously he's a young player, he's continually learning what to do and when to do what and how to use what tools. Bobby has a very bright future and I'm excited to be able to coach him and mentor him as well. Very excited about Bobby's upside in his future.”
Additionally, Nicholson discussed his transition to coaching in Coral Gables after previously coaching at Louisville. He expressed admiration for the Hurricanes' new defensive coordinator, Lance Guidry, who is also in his first season with the team. Speaking highly of Guidry, Nicholson said, “Man, he's awesome. Very, very vibrant and enthusiastic. He loves ball, he’s very meticulous and wants the best out of each and every player and coach and is gonna hold you accountable and that's all you want. He's a true leader – he leads by example you know some some guys talk it but don't lead it; and he leads by example.”
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