Nelson originally signed with Florida in 2003, but was unable to gain admittance to the University. After two years at Coffeyville(KS) Community College(only one on the gridiron), he finally landed with the Gators. In his lone season at CCC, Nelson had 72 tackles and six picks on the year. In his first season with the Gators, he racked up 46 tackles, four for loss, and an interception. As a junior this year, Nelson became one of the biggest playmakers in the country. He had 50 tackles, two for loss, and six interceptions on the year.
Reggie Nelson is an attacking safety with big time playmaking ability. He flies around the football field and is aggressive in every facet of the game. Nelson is tough and plays bigger than his wiry frame indicates. He delivers big hits and isn’t afraid to lend help in support. Nelson’s biggest impact comes with his ability to make plays on the football. He has a nose for the ball, and really goes after the ball when it is in the air. He is a great athlete and shows the speed to run plays down and keep up down the field in coverage.
Nelson is an excellent safety prospect, and does not have too many flaws in his game. He is on the thin side for a safety, and will have to bulk up at the next level. His lack of strength and bulk will hurt him in the running game, and will cause problems as he matches up with bigger receivers in the league. Some are questioning his intelligence after a poor wonderlic score, but he has a nose for the ball on the field.
There is a lot of safety talent at the top of the draft, and Nelson is up there with the best of them. He didn’t work out as well as anticipated, and some questions have popped up after his wonderlic, but he should still be a first rounder.