Nikko Roberts • Reavis • Class Of 2026 •WR/CB • 6'2, 155lbs
- jennycz27
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
By: Jenny
Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Jersey #:17 // Positions: WR/DB // Height & Weight:6’ 2, 155 // 40 Yard Dash: 4.6 // Vertical: 37 // Bench:170 // ? LB Bench Press (Reps): // Squat (lbs):305 // Deadlift (lbs): 335
Nikko, how did your junior season go?
My junior year went pretty solid. I felt I made an impact on the team. It was my first year playing football so to build a relationship with my Qb (Johnny Liesen) was important to me.
What do your off-season workouts look like?
I work out 3 times a week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is weight lifting in the morning with my teammates. Tuesday and the weekend is agility and speed work for me.
What are you working on to improve this off-season?
I am currently working on cleaning up my route running as a wide receiver and creating separation. As a corner back I’m working on remembering coverages, formations, and man press. Collectively getting better at understanding the game of football.
You play both WR and DB-which do you prefer?
I prefer wide receiver. It allows me to showcase my abilities a little more. I can make big plays for my team while also blocking for my teammates.
As a WR, do you have a favorite route to run or a favorite play to make?
My favorite route is the stop & go route. I feel like I sell the stop good enough for me to stun the corner and run up field. It was an effective route for me last year and I’ll look to it again this year.
What techniques do you focus on to create separation from defenders?
I start at my quick release off the line. After beating the corner that way I use my speed and acceleration to create separation for my Quarterback to look my way.
Do you see yourself as more of a deep threat, route technician, possession receiver—or all three
I see all three in myself. But I mainly excel as a deep threat due to my athleticism, and tall, lean frame.
On to the other side of the ball~as a DB, what skills do you pride yourself on, such as press coverage, backpedaling, or reading the quarterback’s eyes?
As a defensive back, I pride myself on clean footwork such as backpedaling. By staying low, using quick steps, and reading the receiver’s movements, I can stay in position and make plays, becoming a problem for the offense.
Do you prefer playing man coverage or zone coverage? Why?
I prefer zone coverage because it allows me to read the quarterback and react to the play as it unfolds. This helps me disrupt routes and make plays on the ball, while also giving me the opportunity to support my teammates in our coverage.
What defensive schemes have you played in (Cover 1, Cover 2, Cover 3, Cover 4, press-man, etc.), and which one do you think fits your skill set best?
I’ve played in a few defensive schemes being Cover 2, Cover 4, and Press. I think Cover 4 suits me best because it allows me to read the quarterback while also expecting deep routes. This allows me to lock down my part of the coverage while also supporting the run.
What has been your most dominant performance so far?
I feel my most dominant game was our first game being against Peotone. Where I had 2 catches for about 70 yards, an interception, and 4 tackles. I was everywhere that game making an impact on both sides of the ball. Helping us ultimately winning the game.
What’s been your favorite memory in football so far, and what made it special?
My favorite memory was our homecoming win against a tough team. Coming into that game we had a game plan in practice and executed it in the game. That whole week I remember everyone working hard and when it came to game time, we trusted our coaches and came out with the win.
How has the school year been going academically?
My school year has been going well. I’ve maintained a 3.7 GPA throughout the year, and I’ve been able to balance sports and academics effectively. I’ve focused on staying organized and retaining information in all my classes.
What is one thing you want college coaches to know about you?
College coaches should know that I’m dedicated to the game of football and that I will always give my best effort. I’m a coachable player, that retains information while also being able to take constructive criticism and learn from it. I watch film constantly, trying to better myself as a player not only watching my highlights but also mistakes. I may not be the fastest, strongest, or tallest player on the field but I’m a player that you can be coached to reach his fullest potential.
What can we expect from the Rams this fall?
You can expect Reavis Rams to do some big things this upcoming season. We’ve come up short the past couple seasons, but we’ve been working in the offseason trying to be a stronger, faster, and more physical team. I’m hyped for this upcoming season to surprise some people and turn some heads.
If there’s one person on your team that you would say is going to have a breakout season this fall, who would it be?
WR Logan Hurtado (C/O 2026) and RB Parker Zasada (C/O 2026) will be a problem next year. Logan has been working on his routes and putting on weight. So keep an eye on him. Parker came off an injury and has been looking stronger than ever. So he’ll also be someone to watch. They’ve both been putting in work in the weight room and it’ll show next year.
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