Parry Nickerson focuses on his next big move

Oliver Grigg newwave@tulane.edu
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Parry Nickerson made a name for himself at Tulane.

Nickerson finished his career as one of the best defensive backs to ever play at Tulane with 16 career interceptions – which ranks second in school history – and 31 career pass breakups for third all-time at Tulane. In his final season wearing the olive and blue, Nickerson recorded 55 tackles (46 solo) and 2.0 tackles for loss to go along with six interceptions.

The senior has picked up several awards since the end of the Green Wave season, earning First Team All-America Athletic Conference honors from the league’s head coaches before receiving Second Team All-America recognition from Sports Illustrated and Honorable Mention All-America honors from SB Nation.

“I’m back into the grind and getting ready for the next level.”

Parry Nickerson, Tulane senior

Now, the Algiers, Louisiana, native is set on taking his talents to the next level by playing in the National Football League.

“It’s a great accomplishment to be recognized, but I’ve shifted my mind into preparation mode,” Nickerson said. “I’m back into the grind and getting ready for the next level. The NFL Combine training starts in January, but I wanted to start early to have an advantage over guys who are still playing.”

Through it all, Nickerson looks toward the future but also reflects on his past. While disappointed by the ending to the Green Wave 2017 campaign – falling just inches shy of bowl eligibility – Nickerson is proud to have had a hand in building a foundation for Tulane football.

“I wanted to set the bar higher for those younger guys,” Nickerson said. “For those guys, anything is possible. No matter where you come from, what school you came out of, or how you came up. I wanted to show them you can be the best at what you do if you put in the work and preparation and take care of your body.”

More than anything, Nickerson just wants to win.

“I stayed and didn’t leave early after last season because I wanted to build a winning program here,” Nickerson said. “I wanted to build a winning program with Tulane, and as far as I see it, we have it going in the right direction.”