Nichol joins Cousins with Redskins

Written by Mike W. on Thursday, 03 May 2012 15:03.

The two players who spent months battling each other for the QB1 spot at Michigan State in 2009 will be teammates once again. MSU_SPRING_GAME Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol once fought for a starting spot at Michigan State, and now will be in the Washington Redskins' mini-camp together. (Grand Rapids Press Photo)

Keith Nichol made his decision to go to mini-camp with the Washington Redskins late Wednesday after weighing his options after the NFL draft concluded Sunday. Former MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins was drafted by the Redskins in the fourth round.

The two former Spartans will be starting mini-camp Thursday with Washington.

Nichol will go to mini-camp without having signed a deal with Washington, unlike three other undrafted free agents from MSU who all signed with their teams before heading to mini-camp. According to the Detroit Free Press, he hopes to leave camp with a signed deal.

Nichol had 50 receptions for 625 yards and four touchdowns in his career, while passing for 826 more and throwing nine touchdowns.

According to The Lansing State Journal, Nichol was contacted by a dozen teams offering him a shot. He chose the Redskins because they offer him the best shot to make the roster as a physical wide receiver, special teams player, or even a safety or third quarterback.

MLive.com reported Nichol expects to make a team as a wide receiver.

“I see myself as a guy who can get on the field at wide receiver. I think I've come a long way in two years at that position,” Nichol said. “I've got the size for the NFL, I run very good routes and I'm fast in and out of my breaks. ... I'll play anywhere they want me, though. I feel I would be a third quarterback if teams need that, I play on special teams, and I think I could move over and play safety if I had a chance there."

Nichol makes an even ten Spartans in a mini-camp with an NFL team. Here is how they fell:

Jerel Worthy (Packers - Round 2)

Kirk Cousins (Redskins - Round 4)

Keshawn Martin (Texans - Round 4)

Trenton Robinson (49ers - Round 6)

B.J. Cunningham (Dolphins - Round 6)

Edwin Baker (Chargers - Round 7)

Todd Anderson (Rams - UDFA)

Brian Linthicum (Jets - UDFA)

Garrett Celek (49ers - UDFA)