Strengths: athleticism, upside
Areas to improve: footwork and technique
Tony Nelson is a 6’6”, 270-pound offensive lineman from Tracy, MN and attends Tracy High School. Nelson plays both offensive and defensive line for Tracy as well as plays on the basketball team as well. Tony committed to the Gophers over offers from South Dakota and Central Michigan but as of recently was hearing from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Kansas State before becoming Golden.
At this point is his career, Nelson is probably a better defensive player than offensive. Now long term his potential is much higher on the offensive side of the ball, but Nelson is a heck of a defensive lineman and is just scratching the surface of what he can become offensively. Tony’s length and athleticism display a high ceiling for the Tracy-native. He moves well for his size and the basketball background only will further develop his footwork.
As mentioned above, Tony is still a bit raw as an offensive lineman will only improve with time. They physical skillset is there, next is getting the coaching staff around him to develop him which coach Brian Callahan is tremendous at. I predict they will start Nelson out at tackle initially but could play on the interior if needed. His movement ability pairs well with the zone-blocking scheme that the Gophers employ. Good pickup for Minnesota.
Areas to improve: footwork and technique
Tony Nelson is a 6’6”, 270-pound offensive lineman from Tracy, MN and attends Tracy High School. Nelson plays both offensive and defensive line for Tracy as well as plays on the basketball team as well. Tony committed to the Gophers over offers from South Dakota and Central Michigan but as of recently was hearing from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Kansas State before becoming Golden.
At this point is his career, Nelson is probably a better defensive player than offensive. Now long term his potential is much higher on the offensive side of the ball, but Nelson is a heck of a defensive lineman and is just scratching the surface of what he can become offensively. Tony’s length and athleticism display a high ceiling for the Tracy-native. He moves well for his size and the basketball background only will further develop his footwork.
As mentioned above, Tony is still a bit raw as an offensive lineman will only improve with time. They physical skillset is there, next is getting the coaching staff around him to develop him which coach Brian Callahan is tremendous at. I predict they will start Nelson out at tackle initially but could play on the interior if needed. His movement ability pairs well with the zone-blocking scheme that the Gophers employ. Good pickup for Minnesota.
