Nichols worth every dollar

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This article was published 09/11/2023 (893 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ask anyone in the Blue Bombers locker room who the best halfback in the CFL is and they’ll tell you it’s Deatrick Nichols.

“It’s no question. He does a lot of things for us that a lot of people really can’t do,” said safety Brandon Alexander after Thursday’s closed practice at IG Field.

“He does everything. He blitzes, he covers, and understands the game of football at a very high level. There are people who can do certain things at a high level but he can do everything at a high level.”

The problem is what Nichols brings to the table doesn’t show up on the statsheet. On paper, 37 defensive tackles and one forced fumble doesn’t jump out. On tape, however, it’s a different story.

Opposing offences try to avoid Nichols at all costs, often going out of their way to not throw in his direction. That’s the ultimate sign of respect to a defensive back.

“If they don’t have to throw my way, I wouldn’t either,” said Nichols, a 29-year-old from Miami who’s in his third season with the Blue and Gold.

That respect did not come in the form of an all-star selection this season. Nichols was named a CFL All-Star the past two years but was left out this time around. He wasn’t named a West Division All-Star, either.

Prior to the season, Nichols was voted the 12th best player in the league — the highest ranking for any DB — in TSN’s annual top-50 poll.

The Bombers secondary didn’t come up empty as cornerback Demerio Houston — the league’s leader in interceptions with seven — was named an all-star while second-year pro Evan Holm got a division nod at halfback and Alexander was also recognized in the West at safety.

“It’s part of the game. You just got to play the cards that are dealt. They say I’m not an all-star, I’m OK with it,” said Nichols.

“Life goes on. It’s not the end of the world. It doesn’t make you better than anybody.”

When the division all-stars were announced last week, Nichols didn’t have time to stress over it as he was back home to support his partner for the birth of their second child. Nichols spent a few days with his baby boy Harlem before returning to Winnipeg to prepare for Saturday’s Western Final against the visiting B.C. Lions.

“I had to be a father and stay locked in with work and everything, but it was a great experience,” said Nichols.

A lot of eyes will be on Nichols, and his fellow pass defenders, this weekend. The Lions are a team that throws the ball early and often. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. was second in the league in pass attempts (488) and first in passing yards (4,769). As for running the ball, B.C. is dead last with an average of 77.3 yards per game. Winnipeg leads the CFL with 139.1 rushing yards per game.

In last week’s Western semifinal, Adams threw for 413 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-30 victory over the Calgary Stampeders. He also ran seven times for 54 yards and three scores.

“Vernon definitely looks way more confident than previous years. He looks like he loves the system that he’s in and the guys that he’s playing with,” said Alexander.

“Vernon came into a system that Nathan Rourke was able to make pop last year and it’s like they really didn’t miss a beat. They’re in the exact same spot they were in last year. Vernon went in there and everybody’s riding behind him. They’ve been playing very well.”

Rookie not sweating postseason debut

To say punter Jamieson Sheahan— an Australian who played NCAA football at the University of California — has never experienced anything like Winnipeg in November would be an understatement. He admits it’s been an adjustment, but it hasn’t scared the rookie away from the CFL just yet.

“I’m learning, I really am. I’m getting used to it. I was just saying to (fullback) Mike Miller today that I’m starting to understand this. I’m starting to get the hang of it and I’m starting to see the beauty in it and enjoy it,” said Sheahan. “The first few days I was freezing, but now I’m all rugged up ((Australian slang for putting on more layers in the cold weather) and kicking is kicking. I feel like I’m getting more comfortable every day… I feel it’s really an advantage for us to get that practice in these conditions these last few weeks.”

Sheahan’s parents — Norman and Julie —are making the 20-plus hour trip from the Land Down Under to Winnipeg for Saturday’s tilt. It’ll be their first time seeing Sheahan play since his final game at the University of California last November.

“It’s going to be one of their first times in the snow. It’s going to be pretty cool for them,” said Sheahan.

“We’re gonna have to go to the store and rug them up for the game.”

And yes, the Sheahans bought flexible tickets just in case the Bombers make it to next week’s Grey Cup in Hamilton.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Sheahan. “I don’t have nerves right now, it’s more excitement.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @taylorallen31