Nick Kelly

Classroom

Nick Kelly has a cumulative 3.33 GPA and is on track to graduate in May 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in criminal justice and criminology. He has been a Scholar Baller—an honor given to a student-athlete who achieves a GPA of 3.0 or above—in each of his six semesters at ASU. He also earned 2014 Pac-12 All-Academic Second Team honors.

Character

Kelly was named a 2015 co-captain and is a member of the team’s Leadership Council for the second consecutive year. He recently delivered season tickets to a family of four, and rather than just dropping them off, he stayed played basketball with the two children for 45 minutes. Kelly had just one scholarship offer out of high school, so he opted to attend American River College. He came to ASU in 2012 with four years of eligibility to play and now is considered one of the top centers in the nation.

“He just loves his team. He’s got that great mental toughness. He loves his team, and he doesn’t want to let those guys down. If he can play in any way possible, he’s going to play.” – Offensive Line Coach Chris Thomsen

Community

One of the first student-athletes to sign up for any community service initiative, Kelly has invested countless hours volunteering at various kids camps and youth clinics throughout his career. He’s made a number of visits to hospitals and schools and is part of a leadership and outreach program that helps educate young people on the importance of getting an education and having a strong sense of self-worth and accomplishment.

“There is a difference between student-athletes who do things because they are asked to and student-athletes who do things because it’s the right thing to do. Nick falls into the latter category. He takes his role as a starter and co-captain on the football team very seriously—not because he craves the attention or the recognition, but because he understands the important position he’s in where he can be a positive role model for young people everywhere.” – Jean Boyd, Senior Associate Athletics Director

Competition

Kelly earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014 and was named to the 2015 preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s most outstanding center. He started all 13 games at center for the Devils in 2014 and played a major role in helping running back D.J. Foster eclipse 1,000 rushing yards. Kelly also anchored an offensive line that drove ASU to an average of 36.9 points per game in 2014, the 16th-best mark in the nation. The Devils’ offense also recorded a 91-percent conversion rate on red zone trips, which was the 12th-best mark in the nation.

“Nick is such an integral part of our complex offense. He leads our linemen and works hand-in-hand with our quarterback and skill position players to make sure we are making the correct adjustments throughout the week of practice and during the game. He’s a quick thinker, ultra-athletic and physical. He embodies everything you’re looking for in a prototypical center.” – Head Coach Todd Graham