J. D. Nelson

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This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. (June 2008)

J.D. Nelson is an American football safety.

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.

HIGH SCHOOL — Team’s offensive MVP rushed for better than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns in addition to accumulating over 300 yards in receptions his senior year. Also nabbed two interceptions from his defensive outpost. Received El Camino back of the year accolades in addition to being named to the Midwest Peninsula all-star team.

[edit] Pro career

Nelson signed with the National Football League Cincinnati Bengals in May, 2007.

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[edit] College career

Nelson played at the University of Oregon.

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.

2005 — The talented standout assumed the responsibility of directing the defense in such a manner that often went unnoticed by the casual observer. Yet those who know the game were impressed by his consistency as well as his attention to details. He didn’t rely on a flamboyant personality to draw attention to himself, but instead brought with him a blue-collar work ethic that seldomed was surpassed. The 12-game starter earned second-team all-conference acclaim as Oregon’s fourth-leading tackler twice finished in double figures in tackles. Led the Ducks with a career-high 13 stops vs. USC and 11 against Fresno State in consecutive weeks, in addition to forcing a fumble at Washington State and intercepting one pass in the Holiday Bowl against Oklahoma. Attracted team’s defensive player-of-the-week honors for his play against the Bulldogs. Also tied for second on the team with five passes broken up. Already a bonafide standout on defense, added three of his tackles on special teams. Took part in a season-high 90 plays at Washington State as he logged 80 snaps or more in nine of 12 appearances.

2004 — Oregon’s second-leading tackler and top returnee opened all 11 games, posting a career-best 10 tackles vs. Indiana and UCLA. Returned his first intercepton as a collegian 49 yards at Oregon State, and added a forced fumble to his eight tackles at Oklahoma. Consistency speaks for itself as he only led the team in tackles on two occasions yet seldomed encountered a bad game. Was applauded for his effort in a one-point loss at California, where he was named Oregon’s defensive player of the week.

2003 — Like many players before him, took the opportunity to showcase his skills on special teams and became one of the Ducks’ most consistent and valuable players on the unit. Had six of his 15 total tackles on special teams, including four at Arizona. Noted for his play on kickoff return coverage on four separate occasions, including earning the special teams game ball for his performance vs. the Wildcats. Also mentioned for his effort vs. Stanford when he tackled the Cardinal returner inside the 20-yard line. Accumulated a single-game high six tackles at Arizona State.

2002 — Earned defensive scout team honors for his preparations leading up to the Arizona State game, and was also recognized for his special teams play prior to the USC game during his redshirt year.