Will be counted on in late-inning situations . . . served as the team's main closer last season, but will be used in more of a set-up role this season.

2008 (Junior): Appeared in 25 games, all in relief . . . had a team-high seven saves . . . had a record of 2-3 and an ERA of 2.70 in 36.2 innings of work . . . pitched 4.0 innings, giving up just one earned run at Kennesaw State . . . earned his first save, pitching 1.2 innings and surrendering just one hit in game two against Miami of Ohio . . . pitched 3.0 innings, earning the save in game two at Murray State . . . pitched the final scoreless inning, earning the save in game three at Jacksonville State . . . tossed 0.2 innings to get the save in Samford's win at Auburn . . . pitched 1.1 innings, earning a save at Eastern Kentucky . . . earned saves in games one and two against Morehead State.

2007 (Sophomore): Made 12 appearances, all in relief . . . struck out 13 batters and walked just four in 16.0 innings . . . posted a 5.62 ERA . . . pitched one hitless inning of relief against Kennesaw State . . . pitched a hitless inning of relief in the OVC Tournament against both Austin Peay and Eastern Kentucky . . . tossed 5.1 innings, giving up one run, striking out five batters and walking none against Jacksonville State in the OVC Tournament.

2006 (Freshman): Appeared in 10 games, all in relief . . . posted an ERA of 8.64 . . . pitched 2.0 scoreless innings against Mercer.

High School: Named his team's MVP in 2004 . . . was a captain in 2005 . . . named All-State in 2005 and All-Region in 2003, 2004 and 2005 . . . also named Top Newcomer in 2003 . . . served as president of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Born March 25, 1987 . . . son of Dennis and Laura Nichols . . . majoring in secondary education.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH NICHOLS
In 10 years I'd like to be: coaching college baseball.
The biggest obstacle I've had to overcome is: shoulder surgery.
My worst fear is: drowning.
Favorite sport besides baseball: football.
Favorite place to eat: Corky's BBQ.
Favorite food: Mexican.
Favorite thing to do on a day off: sleep.
Favorite movie: Tropic Thunder.
Favorite holiday: Christmas.
Favorite actor or actress: Russell Crowe.