His senior season just got started, but 2017 Hillsboro (Or.) DE/LB R.J. Nelson decided to end the recruiting process over the Labor Day weekend when he chose to commit to Montana on a visit to Missoula.
Officially Committed!! pic.twitter.com/QH0wzM9x1G
— RJ Nelson (@RjNelsonnn) September 4, 2016
“I was over there for their game against St. Francis on an unofficial visit,” Nelson told Northwest Elite Index. “I loved my time over there and I just decided it was the right place for me and it felt right to commit to them.
“It really was everything. From the atmosphere to the team and how they relate to each other to the coaches and the support they get from the community there, it really was everything that made me realize I wanted to be part of their program.”
In addition to his offer from the Grizzlies, Nelson also had offers from Eastern Washington, Portland State and Idaho and he’s been talking to Utah State quite a bit.
As a junior in 2015, Nelson played both ways for the Spartans, but it was on defense where he had his biggest impact, posting 48 tackles (30 solo), 12 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks, six quarterback hurries, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble while earning Second Team All-League honors on the defensive side and honorable mention on the offensive side.
“I have a great get off. I get off the ball really quick and my lateral quickness and speed is really good for a guy my size,” Nelson said. “I also really like to play physically.
“This offseason, I’ve been working on getting stronger and adding more size and strength. I also am working on how I use my hands and my initial blow, making sure that’s more explosive.”
Nelson and his teammates dropped their first game by 10 points, 41-31, to Liberty, but they hope to bounce back in their game this coming Friday against Jefferson.
