Student-Athlete of the Week - Sept. 3 to Sept. 9
Senior rover JD Nelson has been named GoDuck.com’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 3 through September 9.
The Mountain View native accumulated 13 tackles and one sack in the Ducks 31-24 victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs.
The 13 tackled marks a season high for an Oregon defensive player this year and also helped move Nelson into third place on the team’s tackle list.
Nelson’s performance was also recognized by the Pac-10 Conference as the senior was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the week. This marked the first weekly honor of Nelson’s career.
The Nelson File
PERSONAL
Born Jordan Darrin Nelson on Aug. 5, 1984 in Burnsville, Minn. Parents: Darrin and H. Camilla Nelson. Family: One brother. High School (Coach): Mountain View (Dan Navarro) 2002. Major: Political Science. Redshirt: 2002.
OREGON
The heart and soul of Oregon’s defense has steaily improved with little fanfare, yet few players play the game with more heart or desire than this all-conference free safety who stands unsurpassed in the Pac-10. The two-year starter and Bronko Nagurski Trophy nominee looms as team’s most experienced defender with 23 consecutive starts and has posted more career tackles than any of his teammates. Thrives on extreme intelligence, anticipation and a great feel for the game, which makes him a perfect fit for his position. Possesses outstanding quickness and is a sure tackler who plays with an attitude, which leaves a mark on would-be ball carriers. Missed all of spring drills heading into his final collegiate campaign while recovering from off-season knee surgery, but his passion for the game and work ethic will force him to make up for lost time. Tested with the squad’s second-best vertical jump (34.5”) during the ‘05 winter workouts, when he also paced the secondary with a 455-lb. squat.
