Overview

Overview

Nelson signed with Kansas State as a safety before making the transition to wide receiver as a sophomore.

His initial season at receiver was impressive, with Nelson earning Honorable Mention Big 12 honors with 45 catches for 669 yards and eight TDs. Hampered by a knee injury that caused him to miss three games, Nelson saw his numbers drop to 39 catches for 547 yards and only one score in 2006 before exploding into a First Team All-American in 2007. Nelson finished second only to Biletnikoff winner Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) in both catches (122) and receiving yards (1,606).

As the focus on the Kansas State passing game, Nelson's numbers are clearly inflated. To attribute his success strictly to this offense, however, is a mistake. His combination of size, route-running and hands make him at least a quality possession receiver prospect.

Ultimately, Nelson's stock will be determined by his 40-yard dash time. The 4.62 he clocked for scouts last spring is not indicative of Nelson's true speed. This timing came with Nelson still rehabilitating his left knee injury and thus, may not be indicative of his true speed. He was an all-state track star during high school and has been timed at a 10.62 in the 100-meter dash.

Nelson's strong senior campaign assures him of being drafted. A strong postseason performance in the Senior Bowl and at the Combine could result in his stock skyrocketing.

High School

Played four years, lettering three, at nearby Riley County High School... Started at both quarterback and defensive back... Connected on 62 percent of his passes for 1,029 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior... Also rushed for 1,572 yards, averaged 9.8 yards per carry and scored 25 touchdowns... Named first team 3A All-State at quarterback by the Topeka Capital-Journal... Was a second team all-state selection for all divisions at both quarterback and defensive back... Named Flint Hills Player of the Year by the Manhattan Mercury... A two-time All-Mid-East League first teamer... Played in the 2003 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Passed for 1,045 yards and rushed for 730 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior... Also lettered and started in basketball and track... Averaged 17.2 points on 58-percent shooting as a senior... Set school career records for blocks (161), steals (225) and assists (325)... Named first team all-state for all divisions by the Topeka-Capital Journal... Was the Manhattan Mercury's Flint Hills Player of the Year... Won 3A track titles in the 100, 200, 400 and long jump at the 2003 state meet... Set division records in the 100 meters (10.63) and 200 meters (21.64).

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Analysis

Analysis

Positives: Intriguing combination of size, hands and overall athleticism for the position. ... Developed into an All-American wideout after signing with Kansas State as a safety. ... Good initial quickness off the snap to get into his route. ... Sneaky deep speed made more effective by good route-running. ... Best attribute might be his hands and toughness. ... Can adjust to the poorly thrown ball and pluck it out of the air or off his shoe laces. ... Knows when to make the body catch when defenders are near. ... Good body control to get his feet down in bounds and knows where the first down marker is. ... Enjoyed strong games against quality cornerbacks (Dwight Lowery, Terrence Wheatley, Aqib Talib). ... Enjoyed a monster senior campaign -- but was very effective as a sophomore and junior (pre-injury) as well. ... Faster on the field than his timed 40-yard dash would indicate.

Negatives: A better athlete than given credit for, but isn't the elite athlete his senior production may have you believe. ... Good route-runner, but lacks explosiveness out of his breaks and elite deep ball speed. ... Primary target in this offense, receiving more than twice as many passes his way than any other Wildcat receiver. ... Big play artist for KSU, but may lack the acceleration to be anything more than a possession receiver at the next level. ... Suffered a sprained PCL in his left knee that hampered him throughout the 2006 season.

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Q & A

Growing up, who was your favorite NFL player and why?

Joe Montana, because I wanted to be a quarterback when I grew up.

In college, what player hit you the hardest? Who was the recipient of your best hit?

I don't know. Griffith from Texas.

What TV-show marathon will keep you on the couch all day?

Two and a half men

What are the five most-played songs in your iPod? What's the one song you hope nobody ever finds out is in your iPod?

I don't have an iPod.

What celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life and why?

Channing Tatem, because people say I look like him a little.

What is one thing your teammates don't know about you?

I cook at my parents' restaurant.

What reality TV show would you like to be on and why?

Survivor, because it's challenging both mentally and physically.

What's your proudest moment in football? Proudest moment off the field?

Carrying coach Snyder off the field after his last game. Being the first in my family to graduate.

When you play Madden, what team do you use? Do you put yourself on the team?

I don't really play video games.

Who has been the biggest influence on your football career and how?

Steve Wagner, because he was my high school coach.