TAMPA, FLA. (April 29, 2007) -- Stephen Nicholas, a first team all Big East linebacker for USF and the school's all-time sacks leader, has been selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Draft. Atlanta, whose General Manager is former Tampa Bay Buccaneer GM Rich McKay and head coach is former Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino, selected Nicholas with the 10th pick of the fourth round.

Nicholas, 6-1, 230, graduated from Jacksonville Lee High School and was a four-year starter for the Bulls. He finished his career with 20 sacks, a USF record. He also had 53.5 tackles for loss, also a school record.

Nicholas is the fifth highest drafted player in 10 years of USF football. Kawika Mitchell (now with the NY Giants) was taken in the second round by Kansas City in 2003, while Kenyatta Jones (New England), Anthony Henry (Cleveland) and Bill Gramatica (Arizona) went in the first three picks of the fourth round in 2001.