Stephen Nicholas’ football career began at Robert E. Lee High School in his hometown of Jacksonville, FL. As a senior, Nicholas was selected to class 3A all-state team in talent rich Florida. He was also invited to represent the North team in the Florida Shrine Bowl. After receiving offers from around the country, Nicholas decided to stay close to home and play at the University of South Florida. He chose the Bulls over Syracuse, Georgia, and Louisville. After a severe ankle injury three games into the season in 2002, Nicholas was given a medical redshirt. He returned to the collegiate game, earning Freshman All-American status, as well as Conference USA All-Freshman honors, on top of his 5.5 sacks, second in the nation among freshman. Nicholas had a successful junior season, earning All-Big East honors after his team made the leap to a BCS conference. He opted to return for his senior year with the Bulls after being ranked the fifth best outside linebacker in the country by Sporting News. Nicholas was drafted in the 4th round as the 109th draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. Entering training camp, Nicholas was projected to only be a special teams contributor, but quickly impressed Falcons coaches. He ended his rookie year with 37 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. In 2009, Nicholas started 14 games and appeared in every contest, totaling 82 tackles.