Nicholas Bookman commits to Samford. The standout receiver dives into why he chose the Bulldogs as his collegiate team.
“Samford really had everything I wanted school wise and to complete it with a great football team and the home feel really was the reason why I chose to go to Samford. It was fun developing that relationship with Coach Hatcher. He’s a real southern guy who likes to joke around, but also is very serious about getting me in the program and developing me to get better and win games. He also has a great relationship with my coach. Talking to Coach Dickerson about how to go about my recruiting process was a plus. Coach Ricky Turner is a North Atlanta native so it was easy getting to know him. He came to the Parkview game and I put on a show for him and after that things really took off.”
The game against Parkview was Bookman’s best of the season. He had three catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Bookman is the leading receiver for the North Gwinnett Bulldogs this season with 18 catches for 285 yards and five touchdowns. He is explosive in the open field and when he has the ball he is tough to slow down. A thing that stands out about his game is his speed. He is a big play waiting to happen.
Bookman visited the Bulldogs back on junior day in the spring and felt right at home. They have big plans for Bookman and plan to utilize his speed in various ways on offense giving him playing time at multiple positions.
“I went up there for junior day. Everything felt like home after that I kept pursuing Samford. They talked about needing more speed and working me inside and outside in certain situations, and also I hope to make an impact in the return game as well,” said Bookman.
North Gwinnett is one of the best teams in the state and is ranked as the No. 3 team in the Score Atlanta poll. They have a number of impressive wins this season against McEachern, Colquitt County, and Mill Creek.
“We are now 6-0. I’d like to say we are one of the more homegrown teams in 6A and it allows us to play for each other instead of playing to go somewhere or to be something. Just gotta finish the season strong and get ready for a huge playoff run. I want to finish the season with at least 10 touchdowns but more importantly, win the region outright and get to that final game in December,” said Bookman.
Like so many other prospects Bookman was underrecruited and didn’t get a lot of offers from schools. He kept his head down and kept working and will play at the next level. He has some advice for others who may be in a similar situation.
“The days where you feel doubt in your head or the days where someone is talking down on you just keep going and trust in yourself and your capabilities and you will see the results,” said Bookman.
He has a message for Bulldogs Nation when he gets on campus.
“Class of 2025 I’m coming to get another SoCon championship. I’m excited for the experience overall, dreaming of it as a kid and it is now coming to reality,” said Bookman.
Bookman has been an exciting player to watch and follow throughout his career. He has the potential to finish his senior season with a state championship.
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