What are you like off of the field? How would your friends describe you?
I think I'm just a regular guy. I'm kind outgoing and fun to be around. Everyone knows that I'm not into the party scene and everyone respects that; I know high school kids can be like that, but that's not me. I feel like I'm a good friend as well.
When did it dawn you that you were going to be a DI prospect?
It didn't really dawn on me until the first offer that I got from Northwestern during the summer going into my sophomore year. That was pretty cool. I've been working hard ever since: I'm never satisfied.
What are you strengths and weaknesses? Anything you'd like to improve on?
I believe I'm pretty tough. I love contact: I'm not going to juke around because I'd rather run people over. I was a lineman growing up so I'm really into the contact. I'm able to use my size and get up over defenders, and I can go over the middle well too, take a hit and secure the catch. I definitely need to work on my speed. I can't ever be too fast, so I've been working on that the most over the off-season.
Is that just a weight room issue, or just a little bit of everything (i.e. weight lifting and speed training)?
A little bit of everything. I had shoulder surgery in November so I've been rehabbing that; I was limited in upper-body stuff. The injury was a blessing in disguise because I was able to put some weight on and work my legs. That was pretty fortunate.
Is there a player you compare yourself to?
I like to compare myself to Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. I love the way they play and I'd love to model my game after them.
Was there a certain school you a fan of growing up, or wasn't there ever one school?
It's weird going through this process because I was a huge college football fan but I never had one specific team that I rooted for. I just loved watching college football in general. It's been great getting to know all of these schools.
It's not abnormal for Chicago kids to head to Notre Dame. It has been assumed that the Irish lead for you, but would you call them the outright leader yourself?
No, I'm still wide open and I don't have any leaders just yet. I'm trying to get out and see some more schools. The ones I have seen have been great, but I'm weighing the pros and cons of them all. I'm looking forward to learning about each program.
So no top ten list or anything of that nature?
Yea, I'm still wide open right now. I'll start narrowing it down toward the spring when I see some more schools, but as of now I'm open to anyone who's willing to recruit me.
Which schools would you say recruit you the hardest?
Right now I probably keep in contact with Northwestern, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Illinois the most.
What's your timeline? Some prospects want to get their decision out of the way before their senior season, while others want to make their decision during All-American games on television.
I'm not too sure. A lot of kids rush their decision and won't stay committed to a school: I don't want to be that kind of kid. Whenever I'm ready I'll commit, whether it be next week or in five months.
What are you looking for in a school?
First and foremost is academics. I talked with my family about it and we know that it all begins with a great school. Second would be the relationships with the coaches I know. I want to be able to ask them anything and stay in contact with them as much as possible. I also want to know the kind of kids their recruiting to see if I can see myself with them in that kind of environment.
How big of a role is family going to play here? Not worried that mom will run off with your LOI?
[Laughs] My parents just want me to be happy. Their advice is great, and the advice from my coaches is great too. Ultimately it's my decision, but I want my family to enjoy the experience and I think they have so far.
What's your relationship with the Michigan staff like? Who is your main recruiter?
I have a great relationship with the Michigan coaching staff. I probably speak with (receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski) every week or so. I've even talked with coach Hoke a few times as well, so I have a great relationship with them so far.
You're visiting this weekend right?
We actually had to reschedule because they said their players are on spring break right now, so I wouldn't have been able to do an overnight. I'll be there next week.
What are you looking for from Michigan during that visit? What are you curious to see?
I visited last summer, so this time I want to get to know the players and see if I can see myself in the locker room with them.
Do you talk to any Michigan commitments or prospects?
Yea, I talk to Mike Ferns a lot. We text back and forth. He's a great kid and he'll be up there as well so it will be great to finally meet him.
Have you heard about his "Project 135", and if so what do you think about it?
Absolutely. I think it's great, trying to get the Michigan name out there. It speaks highly of his character and what kind of kid he is. I think it's pretty cool what he's doing.
What's the most enjoyable part of the process for you?
I'd say the most enjoyable part is just meeting all of these new people and visiting all of these places. I know a lot of kids would love to be in my position and be able to do what I'm doing, so I'm not going to complain about the whole process. I think it's a lot of fun. There isn't too much to be stressed about.
--
Nic's recruitment is wide open. He also seems like a kid who will genuinely connect with prospects like Michael Ferns and Wilton Speight, as both of those two Michigan commitments are as focused on academics and team bonding as Weishar is. Notre Dame and Northwestern both look like teams that could land Nic, but Michigan is still very much in the picture. It would be great to see Michigan pick up another TE/WR hybrid type, especially if it's a kid as focused as Weishar is.