Came on strong late last season . . . will be counted on more this season

2007 (Sophomore): Made 12 appearances, all in relief . . . struck out 13 batters and walked just four in 16.0 innings of work . . . 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.