NIU quarterback Dan Nicholson uses one word to describe himself: competitive.

And it’s a good thing considering where he has found himself this spring.

Nicholson is one of four NIU quarterbacks competing for the starting job in 2005.

The 6-foot-2 187-pound Chicago native threw for 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions while completing 59 percent of his passes as a senior in high school.

He ended his prep career at Brother Rice with 34 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards passing in two seasons as a starter, but NIU was the only school that recruited him.

“We all got a shot at the job in camp,” Nicholson said. “And I just want what’s best for the team.”

The red-shirt freshman said he is ready to play now, but there are still things to pick up on, and many of them are coming from fellow quarterback Phil Horvath.

“I need to work on reading defenses right now and I’ve still got stuff to learn,” Nicholson said. “Phil has been going out of his way to help me in the film room and on the field.”

Nicholson admitted that Horvath may have the advantage due to his experience.

“He played a great game at Bowling Green and proved himself,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson said even he wouldn’t know who to name as starter at this point, but the thought of making his first start at Michigan has crossed his mind.

“I think it would be pretty cool,” Nicholson said. “And we’re not going just to go. We’re going there to win.”

But before he gets the nod on Sep. 3, Nicholson will have to continue to do what he does best on the football field: compete.