 |
| |
 | Class:
Senior
|
| Hometown:
Littleton, Colo.
|
| High School:
Columbine
|
|
| Height / Weight:
5-10 / 182
|
| Position:
CB
|
| Birthdate:
07/07/1986
|
| Experience:
2L
|
|
|
|
|
2008 (Junior)
A former walk-on, earned a scholarship following spring drills and started all 13 games at cornerback...The former QB also supplied CSU's all-important holding duties for placements during the first half of the year...Despite battling an elbow injury much of the year, posted 74 tackles (51 solo), with one tackle for loss, one interception, three passes broken up and a forced fumble...Slowed by an ankle injury during fall camp, returned to full speed in time to make his first Division I start, in season opener vs. Colorado (Aug. 31); helped to break up a first-quarter pass...Late in the first half of 28-25 victory vs. Houston (Sept. 20), averted a potential disaster on a field-goal attempt by taking a missed snap and running 14 yards for a first down, his first Division I carry; two plays later, Gartrell Johnson scored from 7 yards out to give CSU a 21-0 lead...In conference-opening win vs. UNLV (Oct. 4), his third-down stick late in the first half forced a Rebels punt...In tough loss vs. TCU (Oct. 11), broke up a third-down pass to force a second-half punt, and also forced a fumble and notched a QB hurry...At No. 14 Utah (Oct. 18), with the Rams trailing 14-7 in the second quarter and defending a short field, picked off Brian Johnson for the CB's first career INT; patiently weaved the return 55 yards deep into Utah territory, setting up a field goal...Later in Utes contest, made an athletic play deep in CSU territory to break up a pass intended for Jereme Brooks, an effort that forced officials to wave off a pass-interference call because he knocked the ball away before contacting the receiver (Utah was charged with a timeout after its challenge failed to overturn the call)...In tough 45-42 loss vs. No. 17 BYU (Nov. 1), made a sure, open-field solo tackle on All-America WR Austin Collie at the CSU 3-yard line, setting up a goal line stand...Helped force an incompletion on a early third-down pass in eventual win vs. New Mexico (Nov. 15), forcing a missed field-goal attempt...In first quarter of win at Wyoming (Nov. 22) that made CSU bowl eligible, had a career-best 11 tackles (10 solo); pushed Greg Boling out of the back of the end zone to prevent the Cowboys from going up 14-0; they missed a field goal on the next play...Later in Cowboys contest, nearly picked off Clint Stuzriem late in the first half, and made three crucial plays on a third-quarter drive with CSU protecting a 17-14 lead -- dove to deflect a pass and thwart a sure TD in the end zone, then broke up a third-down pass near the goal line, forcing the Cowboys to kick a game-tying field goal...In New Mexico Bowl triumph vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20), posted his first career tackle for loss, dropping Devon Wylie after a catch for minus-2 yards in the first quarter...A consistent cornerback, makes up for any lack of speed with confidence and smarts, according to coordinator Larry Kerr.
2007 (Sophomore)
Passionate cornerback dressed for every contest, with six games played, all on special teams...Turned heads with a surprising fall camp...Made his collegiate debut in season opener, at Colorado (Sept. 1).
2006
Sat out after transferring to CSU in the spring of his freshman year.
2005 (Freshman)
Played for Division II University of Mary, which produced CSU men's basketball coach Tim Miles, in Bismarck, N.D.
High School
A team captain and all-state quarterback and defensive back, lettered three years in football at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. ...Contributed to a pair of league titles and the 2002 state championship...Also lettered three years in track, was named CHS athlete of the year, and earned academic all-state recognition.
Personal
Given name Nicholas Jack Sheets Oppenneer...Born July 7, 1986, in Englewood, Colo. ...Son of Jack and Maureen Oppenneer...Has a younger brother...Majoring in liberal arts...Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
