The quarterback of the WHHS football team, TJ Nelson, ‘24,  heads into the offseason looking to improve his skills and continue to build his recruiting base.  

Nelson started playing football when he was four, and never looked back. Originally a tight end and defensive end, Nelson switched to the quarterback position in sixth grade. Fast forward to today, Nelson is the starting quarterback for the Eagles, finished as a top six passer in the ECC, and was named to the second team all conference. 

Nelson is such a threat due to his ability to not only throw completions, but to rush the ball. He was Walnut’s leading rusher last season, highly unusual for a quarterback, and finished 11th overall in rushing yards in the ECC. 

“If I was just a standard pocket passer the defense would drop more into coverage giving receivers a less chance, but they know they also have to worry about me running,” Nelson said. 

Nelson’s dual threat abilities make him appealing to college coaches. Although he is only a sophomore, Nelson has received interest from Miami University [of Ohio]. 

“The Miami coach was at our Kings game to watch the King’s quarterback but I played well and stood out to him. He was impressed and has reached out to our coach,”  Nelson said. 

Official NCAA football recruiting rules state that coaches can not begin direct contact with athletes until Sept. 1 entering the athlete’s junior year. After this, athletes can begin taking official visits during the times that fall under the  NCAA’s recruiting calendar. 

“Since I can’t be in contact with coaches right now, it’s all about putting together a huddle of my best plays, putting on a good performance on the field, and having the Walnut coaches reach out,” said Nelson. 

In order for Nelson to catch recruits’ attention, he has some things to clean up in the offseason. 

“Overall I want to improve my footwork, arm strength and power, speed, and add on some weight to get stronger,”  Nelson said.

An area first year WHHS football Coach James Crook has tried to make an impact in is recruiting. He does his best to reach out to college coaches about his players. 

“I send TJ’s film out to as many college coaches as I can. He’s young and I believe his recruiting will heat up this summer after going to a few camps this summer,”  Crook said. 

Nelson and his teammates are very grateful for the new coaching staff and all they have done for them. The staff has encouraged the family-like atmosphere around the program. 

Nelson still has two more seasons at WHHS to improve and leave an impact on the football field. As the quarterback, Nelson is the leader of the team and has to make sure the team is on the same page. 

“TJ was a captain as a sophomore. That’s huge. He’s an all around great kid.,” said Crook. 

One reason Nelson can be such a great leader is because he genuinely enjoys the game of football. His favorite player to watch is Russel Wilson and his favorite play to run is a deep ball over the middle, often to WHHS receiver Javion Bostic ‘23. 

Although next season is far away, Nelson already has goals in mind to help the Eagles to a rebound season. 

“My goal for next season is to improve drastically and be first team all conference,” Nelson said.