The Realist
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noletime95;1390530 said:
Nelson was one of the standout defensive backs in the state of Florida during his playing days at Palm Bay High School. He was a two-time All-State Class 4A first-team selection and rated the No. 12 prospect in the state by Rivals.com. He attempted to enroll at Florida upon graduation, but failed to meet academic requirements.
He then enrolled at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, sitting out the 2003 season. In 2004, he helped the Red Ravens to third place ranking in the final National Junior College Athletic Association poll in his only year playing for Coffeyville.
Nelson was named the NJCAA National Player of the Week for Oct. 26 for his part in Coffeyville's 86-0 win over Independence (Kan.) in the first round of the Region VI playoffs. He led the team in tackles with 85 (59 solos), intercepted six passes for 175 return yards, including one that was returned for a touchdown, recovered two fumbles and blocked five kicks.
Then the waiting game again began. Nelson wanted to enroll back at Florida for the 2005 season, but was a math credit shy of gaining his Associates degree, which is required in order for him to enter the University of Florida. He attempted to gain the credit via a correspondence course, but had to take the math exam twice. Although he passed it, his first attempt was flagged when he failed to show his work. He had been waiting for more than two weeks for his second attempt to be graded.
"I called the clearing office in Texas," Nelson said. "They didn't give me the exact score, she told me I passed and that's all I needed to hear."
Instinctive player who is field smart, but has had academic difficulties and might struggle trying to digest a complicated playbook...Very good at making plays on the ball, but while he is a physical hitter he needs to improve his overall strength to prevent getting washed out by the bigger blockers working through trash...Times his leaps and has natural hands, but feels he is better served making plays on the ball rather than neutralizing the receiver (when he misses, he is slow to recover in attempts to get back into the play)...Shows good urgency to close, but must be more diligent of making the wrap tackle rather than colliding into his opponent (fails to reach out, grab and drag the ball carrier down)...Would like to see him attack the receiver to separate the ball carrier from the ball rather than try to make the big interception.
