2007: Started all 11 games at right guard ... instrumental in the Redbird
running game, which amassed 2,194 rushing yards on the season, the seventh-highest rushing
total in school history ... the Redbird offense averaged 402.8 yards of total offense per
game ... named the Valley Football Offensive Lineman of the Week (9/10).
2006: Started all 13 games at left guard ... blocked for a rushing
offense that averaged 170 rushing yards per game ... paved the way for running back Pierre
Rembert to rush for more than 100 yards in each of 12 games and over 1,700 yards on the
season ... protected for the No. 1 passing offense in the Missouri Valley Football
Conference (228 yards per game) ... Redbirds' total offense ranked No. 8 nationally with
397.5 yards per game.
2005: Played in seven games ... started against Missouri State when
regular starter Janiah Downing sat out with a concussion.
2004: Redshirted.
Arrowhead HS: Team finished with an 11-3 record his senior season and
finished runner-up in the state tournament and ranked No. 2 in the state ... an all-state,
all-area and two-time all-conference selection ... team also finished ranked No. 2 and as
state runner-up in 2002 ... honorable mention all-conference selection as a sophomore ...
member of the honor roll ... coached by Tom Taraska.
Data: Born 11-22-85 in Menomonee Falls, Wis. ... son of Gary and Debbie
Niklasch ... the youngest of three children ... his brother, Gary, played football at
Western Michigan ... pronounced NICK-lash ... major: business administration.
