Our #𝗡𝗥𝟮𝟰 highlight reel is a calculated concoction of the Duval County native’s game changing interceptions, pass breakups, tackles for loss and vicious hits from the 2018 season. Without further ado, I present our exclusive South Florida DB #𝗡𝗥𝟮𝟰 Nick Roberts 2018 official highlights. (Twitter: @nr2__ // Instagram: @nr2.4x)
The Oakleaf High alum was all over the field for the Bulls in a breakout 2018 season, recording 72 total tackles (52 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, three pass breakups, while defending 12 passes. After redshirting in 2017, the defensive back returns as one of the most proven Bulls in 2019 after appearing in all 13 games and starting the final 11.
Roberts starred at defensive back for Steve Reynolds at Oakleaf High School where he tallied 136 tackles, 21 pass breakups, 6.5 tackles for loss, recovered two fumbles, and snagged 17 interceptions in his career as a Knight.
Roberts was a consensus three star recruit rated 84.39 by 247 Sports, 78 by ESPN, the 34th best defensive back for the class of 2017 by Rivals, and the 14th best defensive back in Florida by Scout. Roberts was selected to FHSAA’s 2017 Florida All-State 7A First-Team Defense after intercepting six passes, breaking up five passes, and posting 34 tackles his senior year.
I chopped it up with Nick about his recruitment, life at USF and expectations for 2019 in the Q&A below.
1. Which USF coach recruited you to Tampa and why did it appeal to you?
NR: “Coach Hampton, He kept it real & cared about education before football.”
2. Who is your roommate? Best friend at USF? And what is your nickname on the team? And what do you love the most about being a Bull?
NR: “Fred Lloyd is my roommate, I don’t have best friends, but I got a couple of brothers on the team. Nicknames ? I have a lot such as Dirdy Red, Youngeen , Bad A** Red Boy & NR2 . I love game days & seeing support from the fans.”
3. Yungeen Ace is your favorite rapper, correct? How do you know him and why do you love his music?
NR: “Yes, knew him since middle school going on to high school. My brother used to hang out with his older brother & it just went from there. I love his music because it’s true & I can relate to it due to the fact he is my brother.”
4. Fun fact no one really knows about you? (can be anything from family to hobbies)
NR: “I just play the game a lot on my off time.”
5. Thing you are most excited about for 2019?
RSF: “Running out on the field giving it my all with my brothers giving the world something to watch as we go win a championship. ”
Stay tuned Bulls faithful, we will continue dropping exclusive highlights that can be only found right here on SoFloBulls.com to help ward off the dreaded off-season blues. Also, be sure to tell your friends to follow us on Instagram (@soflobulls), Facebook (@SoFloBulls) and Twitter (@SoFloBulls).
by Matthew Manuri
Publisher & Editor, SoFloBulls.com | @Mcknurkle