Dan Nicholson Class: RS Senior Hometown: Chicago, IL High School: Brother Rice Height / Weight: 6-3 / 190 Position: QB Experience: 3L

Underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder following the 2007 season and could not participate in spring drills. Member of Head Coach Jerry Kill's Leadership Council.

2007: Started nine games, completing 151-of-248 passes for 1,633 yards, but battled injuries and a sore shoulder throughout the year. His 60.9 completion percentage ranks fourth on the single-season list, while the 151 completions are eighth. Also ranks fourth on the single-season charts with 181.4 passing yards per game and his 16.8 completions per game was the third highest season mark. Threw nine touchdown passes, including a career-long 92-yard bomb to Matt Simon at Central Michigan (9-29). That ranked as the fourth-longest completion in NIU history. Compiled four 200-yard passing games on the year. Ranked ninth in the MAC in total offense with 1,567 yards. Ranks in Northern Illinois' career top-10 in nine different passing categories: ninth in yards with 3,112, fifth in yards per game with 141.45, third in completion percentage at 58.95 percent, and 10th in touchdowns with 20. Matched his career high by throwing two touchdown passes in a game three times - versus Southern Illinois (9-8), Idaho (9-22), and Kent State (11-10). Opened the season by completing 26-of-42 attempts for 214 yards vs. Iowa (9-1). The 26 completions ranks tied for the fourth-best single game total at NIU while the 42 attempts are 10th. Connected on 41-of-55 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns combined in the Southern Illinois (9-8) and Eastern Michigan (9-15) games with a 21-of-27 passing day versus SIU. Compiled 223 passing yards in the SIU game and had 160 on 20-of-28 passing versus EMU. Completed 21-of-41 passes for a season-high 293 yards at Central Michigan (9-29), including the 92-yarder. Went 21-for-28 for 275 yards with a 50-yard completion to Simon and two touchdowns in the win over Kent State (11-10). Also gained 19 yards on four rushes in that game.

2006: Saw action in seven games, starting the final two, including the Poinsettia Bowl. Connected on 60-of-115 attempts (52.2 percent) for 648 yards and five touchdowns with six interceptions. Made appearances at Ohio State (9-2) and vs. Indiana State (9-23). Came off bench to complete 9-of-14 passes for 124 yards with two touchdowns and one interception against Temple (10-21). Replaced injured Phil Horvath in first quarter and connected on 11-of-18 passes for 116 yards with TD and INT in win vs. Central Michigan (11-17). Started and completed career-best 24-of-37 passes for 261 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions after starting 20-of-24 for 193 yards and two TDs for 178.4 rating in first half at Eastern Michigan (11-24). Started and went 6-of-18 for 80 yards with interception vs. TCU in Poinsettia Bowl (12-19).

2005: Played six games and started the final three, including the MAC Championship Game vs. Akron. Completed 59-of-95 pass attempts (62.1 percent) for 831 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. Saw action as reserve against Tennessee Tech (9-17) and Kent State (10-22). Replaced injured Phil Horvath at Central Michigan (11-5) and went 19-of-27 for a career-high 320 yards, including 79-yard strike, and two touchdowns. Completed 21-of-30 passes for 176 yards and two TDs in first career start and win at Toledo (11-16). Went 8-of-13 for 160 yards and one score against Western Michigan (11-23). Completed 7-of-17 tosses for 110 yards and touchdown vs. Akron in MAC Championship (12-1).

2004: Redshirted.

High School: Set several school season and career passing records, including career mark of 3,120 yards. Named team captain and MVP, first team Catholic League All-Blue Division, recipient of Tony Lawless Award (league MVP), first team Star Newspapers All-Area, Reporter Newspapers Area Player of the Year, first team Daily Southtown All-Area, special mention Chicago Sun-Times All-Area and postseason Area Top 100 Players, special mention Chicago Tribune All-State, first team Champaign News-Gazette All-State, and PrepStar Magazine All-America during senior season. Cited on preseason Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune league and area top player lists, The Sporting News "Next 100 Players to Watch" All-Midwest ratings and Street & Smith's "Other Prep Seniors to Watch" entering final prep campaign. Threw for 1,960 yards and 22 touchdowns against only five interceptions while completing 59.6 percent (134-of-225) on 11-2 state Class 8A playoff semifinalist as senior. Threw for 256 yards and one TD on 17-of-34 passes in 2003 state quarterfinals. Earned first team all-area accolades from Star Newspapers and Daily Southtown after connecting on 107-of-183 passes for 1,160 yards, 12 TDs, and six interceptions on playoff qualifier as junior. Three-time letterwinner in football and earned two letters in basketball. Honor Roll student.

Personal: Born Jan. 6, 1986. Marketing major. Son of Don and Barbara Nicholson. Admires Brett Favre.

NICHOLSON'S CAREER STATISTICS
Passing

Total Offense

NICHOLSON'S CAREER GAME HIGHS

Pass Attempts: 42, vs. Iowa, 9-1-07
Passing Completions: 26, vs. Iowa, 9-1-07
Yards: 320, vs. Central Michigan, 11-5-05
Touchdowns: 2, seven times, last vs. Kent State, 11-10-07
Long Gain: 92, at Central Michigan, 09-29-07