This savvy class of 2017 recruit out of Jacksonville has a propensity for reading the eyes of opposing quarterbacks then snatching picks. I’m certain this 904 native will continue right where he left off under defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer in 2020, mark my words. Without further ado, I proudly present our exclusive South Florida defensive back #𝗡𝗥𝟮 Nick Roberts official highlights 2019. (Twitter: @nr2__ // Instagram: @nr2.4x)
The Oakleaf High alum followed up his breakout 2018 season by being all over the field for the Bulls in 2019. Roberts was named 2nd Team All-AAC by Pro Football Focus after tallying 63 total tackles (43 solo), 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 5 pass breakups, sniping two interceptions, and recovering a fumble in 2019 for the Bulls!
Roberts shined as a redshirt freshman in 2018, 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 2020 with 25 games under his belt (22 starts).
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 favorite spots in Tampa Bay, favorite memory to date, new head coach Jeff Scott & Co., and more in the below Q&A.
1. Favorite restaurant in Tampa? Favorite nightlife spot?
NR: “Konan’s BBQ or Burgers Spot.”
2. Who is your roommate, best friend(s) on the team, and nickname?
NR: “Nard [Jernard Phillips] and [Randall] St. Felix.”
3. What is your favorite play from last season? Favorite memory so far from your time at USF?
NR: “Favorite play is my interception against Navy. My favorite memory was Bowl Week in Birmingham.”
4. Fun fact no one really knows about you?
NR: “I just play the game lol, add me: Paxonjitt2x.”
5. How was the first meeting with Coach Scott and other new coaches?
NR: “I been knew Coach Scott since High School [Oakleaf-Jacksonville], so it was just a catching up experience. But other coaches were good, just getting to know each other.”
6. Thing you are most excited about for 2020?
NR: “New year, new coaches, same team, same goals! Let’s get it!! #GoBulls.”
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