2014 Border Classic All Stars – Team Michigan
Nick Padla
Offensive Tackle
6’7″ 280 lbs
Michigan State University
High School: Berrien Springs
High School Coach: Bill Bergan
Nick Padla is the son of Dennis and Keren Padla. He has two brothers, Alex and Nate.
Nick started playing football in third grade. Although Nick never got to touch the football due to his size and weight, he never got discouraged. Nick was a three-year starter for Berrien Springs varsity football team. He played both offense and defense for all three years as a starter on varsity. Nick has always loved football and his dream has been to play college football at Michigan State University. “Dreams do come true with hard work.”
Nick played baseball his freshman and sophomore years. In his junior year he tried track. He was on the track team as a senior as well. Nick has also volunteered for the “Little Rocks Football Camp” each summer since his freshman year. The camp helps the Rocket Football players and seventh and eighth grade players work on skills and drills.
Nick thanked his parents for, “all their support and unconditional love.” He thanked his coach, Bill Bergan, “for all his support and for believing in me, and helping me make my dream come true.” He thanked Paul “Papa” Bergan for, “helping me with my footwork and for pushing me that ‘little extra’ each workout.” Nick thanked his brother Alex for, “making me go to workouts and setting an example that hard work pays off. Lastly, Nick thanked the Berrien Springs community for, “their support and cheering me and the team on each Friday night.”
Awards
All Lakeland Conference 1st team
O-Lineman, 2011
All Wolverine Conference 1st Team O-Lineman, 2012 & 2013
All State 1st Team, AP, UPI, Detroit Free Press & Detroit News, 2013
#20 Michigan, Catch 22, 2013