Zion Nelson Explained

Zion Nelson
Highschool:Sumter
(Sumter, South Carolina)
Currentnumber:60
Currentposition:Offensive tackle
Class:Senior
Birth Date:9 January 2001
Birth Place:Sumter, South Carolina
Height Ft:6
Height In:6
Weight Lb:326
Pastschools:
Espn:4428103

Zion Nelson (born January 9, 2001) is an former American football offensive tackle who played for the Miami Hurricanes from 2019 to 2023.

Early life and high school

Nelson grew up in Sumter, South Carolina and attended Sumter High School. He was initially rated a two-star recruit and committed to play college football at Appalachian State.[1] Nelson's recruitment picked up during his senior season, in which the Fighting Gamecocks rushed for over 2,000 yards and won 10 games, and he flipped his commitment after a late offer from Miami.[2]

College career

Nelson enrolled joined the Miami Hurricanes as an early enrollee.[3] He was named the starting left tackle for the Hurricanes going into his freshman year after performing well in summer training camp.[4] Nelson started all 13 of Miami's games as a freshman and allowed the most sacks of any starting tackle from a Power Five conference.[5] After initially losing his starting job, Nelson regained his spot as the Hurricanes' starting left tackle for the final six games of his sophomore season.[6]

On July 25, 2024, Nelson announced that he would medically retire from football after multiple knee injuries.[7]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sumter High's Nelson takes Miami's offer. The Item. December 20, 2018. May 5, 2021.
  2. Web site: Here’s everything you need to know about the Miami Hurricanes’ newest O-line commit. David. Wilson. Miami Herald. December 14, 2018. May 5, 2021.
  3. Web site: There are 100 pounds more of Zion Nelson to love these days at the University of Miami. Miami Herald. August 7, 2019. May 5, 2021.
  4. Web site: The Chronicles of Zion Nelson and the path the freshman left tackle took to the University of Miami. Manny. Navarro. The Athletic. May 21, 2019. May 5, 2021.
  5. Web site: How Miami’s Zion Nelson has gone from an overmatched true freshman to a ‘first-rounder’. Manny. Navarro. The Athletic. March 25, 2021. May 5, 2021.
  6. Web site: Miami's Zion Nelson getting early 2022 NFL draft recognition. Sun-Sentinel. April 19, 2021. May 5, 2021.
  7. Web site: Miami Offensive Lineman Zion Nelson Medically Retires. Rivals.com. Marcus. Benjamin. July 25, 2024. August 20, 2024.