Alabama football’s “Highway 46” will continue having a football career.
After serving as a graduate assistant at Samford University, former Crimson Tide tight end/fullback Michael Nysewander will join Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic University as an offensive graduate assistant.
Can't thank @Lane_Kiffin enough for giving me the opportunity to chase yet another dream of mine except this time it's coaching the game!
— Michael Nysewander (@NYSEandeasy) February 23, 2017
— Michael Nysewander (@NYSEandeasy) February 23, 2017
Nysewander, a native of Hoover, Ala., played under coach Nick Saban from 2011-15.
Following his efforts as a walk-on and scout team player, Nysewander cracked the starting lineup in 2014 at tight end. He saw action in seven games, including the entire second half versus Western Carolina at home.
Nysewander caught two passes for 21 yards, with his longest play being a 12-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jacob Coker. His role expanded to fullback in 2015, as he aided running back Derrick Henry to 2,219 yards rushing and 28 scores on 395 carries. Behind Nysewander, Henry earned the Heisman Memorial Trophy, Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award and SEC’s Offensive Player of the Year.
To pair with his blocking prowess, Nysewander was a head hunter on special teams.
He recorded seven career tackles, including six during the 2015 college football season. He was a part of three national championship teams (2011-12, 2015) and three Southeastern Conference championship squads (2012, 2014-15) during his tenure in Tuscaloosa. Despite not making it with the Kansas City Chiefs after a tryout, Nysewander intends to help build Florida Atlantic into a powerhouse in Conference USA.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
