Nelson Chosen Second Team Preseason All-America by D3football.com

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- The leader of the Willamette University defense, inside linebacker Jack Nelson (Sr., Portland, OR/Jesuit HS, has been selected Second Team Preseason All-America by D3football.com. Nelson is one of just 50 athletes to be named to the Preseason All-America Team.

Earlier this summer, Nelson was named Second Team Preseason All-America by the Beyond Sports Network. He was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award last season.

Nelson, who earned First Team All-Northwest Conference honors in 2012 and 2013, enters his senior year with 211 career tackles. He led the Bearcats with 112 tackles last season, when he tied for the team lead 9.5 tackles for loss and also registered 2.5 sacks. He led the squad with 67 unassisted tackles and also ranked first with 45 assists.

He ranked seventh in NCAA Division III in solo tackles per game (7.4 avg.) and was ninth in the nation in total tackles per game (12.4 avg.).

Nelson earned 10 or more tackles in all nine games in 2013. He intercepted two passes, broke up two passes, recovered two fumbles and forced a fumble. He registered a season-high 15 tackles, including 11 solo stops, against nationally-ranked Linfield College.

During his Willamette career, he has achieved 128 solo stops and 83 assists. He has provided the team with 16.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks. He has earned six pass break-ups to go along with three interceptions.

Last year, the Bearcats finished the season with a 7-2 overall record and were ranked #25 in the final regular season poll released by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Willamette is 19-10 during Nelson's three seasons, including 15-4 since the start of the 2012 season.